A major confrontation between Tamil Nadu and the central government intensified on March 11, 2025, over the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula, leading to heated exchanges in Parliament and accusations of fund withholding.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Tamil Nadu government of making a "U-turn" on implementing the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, claiming the state had initially agreed to sign the memorandum of understanding [1]. The minister's remarks, including calling the state government "dishonest," sparked protests from DMK MPs in the Lok Sabha.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin responded sharply, accusing Pradhan of "arrogance" and "insulting the people of Tamil Nadu." The state maintains its opposition to what it perceives as Hindi imposition through the NEP's three-language formula [2].

At the center of the dispute is approximately ₹2,400 crore in federal education funding under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which the Centre has reportedly linked to NEP implementation [3]. Stalin has stated that Tamil Nadu will maintain its two-language policy (Tamil and English) even if offered ₹10,000 crore.

The NEP 2020 promotes a three-language formula while stating that "no language will be imposed on any state." It requires at least two of the three languages to be native to India [3]. However, Tamil Nadu has historically opposed what it sees as Hindi imposition, with anti-Hindi protests dating back to the 1930s.

After protests in Parliament, Pradhan withdrew certain controversial remarks, and Speaker Om Birla ordered their expungement from the record [4]. The confrontation occurs against the backdrop of upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu next year.