'Two-language policy should not remain just on paper': P Chidambaram
Congress leader P Chidambaram calls for effective implementation of Tamil Nadu's two-language policy, stressing fluency in Tamil and English.
Congress leader P Chidambaram has issued a strong call for the practical and effective implementation of Tamil Nadu's two-language policy. Expressing his desire for real-world results rather than mere administrative existence, the veteran leader emphasized that the policy must translate into genuine linguistic proficiency among the state's youth.
Emphasis on Fluency and Training
Speaking on the necessity of linguistic competence, Chidambaram highlighted that the ultimate goal of the policy should be for students to master both Tamil and English. He argued that support for the two-language model is meaningless if it does not result in students being able to speak and pronounce both languages fluently.
To achieve this, the Congress leader suggested a critical structural requirement: the appointment of qualified educators. He stated that:
- All schools must appoint trained Tamil teachers.
- All schools must appoint trained English teachers.
- The policy must be implemented across the entirety of Tamil Nadu.
"My wish is that everyone who supports the two-language policy—especially young students—should speak and pronounce fluently in both Tamil and English," Chidambaram remarked, stressing that the policy should not merely exist as a document in official files.
Political Context and the Governor's Address
These comments follow a significant address by Governor Vishwanath Arlekar to the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. During his speech, the Governor outlined the stance of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's government regarding language and education in the state.
The Governor reaffirmed that the state remains committed to the existing two-language framework, a tradition rooted in a 1968 resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He noted that this policy has been a cornerstone of the state's identity and has been widely accepted by the people of Tamil Nadu.
Opposition to the Three-Language Formula
The debate over language remains a sensitive and pivotal issue in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. The state has consistently maintained its preference for the Tamil and English duo while actively opposing the three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
By reiterating the long-standing commitment to the 1968 resolution, the Governor underscored the state's resistance to the NEP's linguistic structure, reinforcing a policy that has defined the region's educational approach for decades.