Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has urged the state government to avoid unnecessary debates over the National Education Policy (NEP) and instead hold discussions with the Central Government to reach a decision in the best interest of the people.

In a statement, EPS acknowledged that certain provisions of the NEP could adversely affect Tamil Nadu. He criticized the Centre’s push for the three-language policy, which he said would undermine Tamil Nadu’s long-standing two-language system and create confusion and fear among students and parents.

EPS also expressed concern over reports that Tamil Nadu could lose ₹5,000 crore in funding if it refuses to implement the PM SHRI scheme, as indicated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He reminded that Tamil Nadu’s strong leadership in the past had successfully secured an exemption from the Official Languages Act of 1963, ensuring that students could focus on Tamil and English without being forced to learn Hindi.

“Thanks to this visionary policy, Tamil Nadu’s students have excelled globally, holding prestigious positions and successfully running businesses across India and abroad,” EPS stated, emphasizing the need for dialogue over confrontation with the Union Government.