Collaboration between State and Central Governments is essential in shaping education policies
In a recent development, the Union government's refusal to release Rs 2,150 crore to Tamil Nadu for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan has caused a stir, with the dispute centring around the state's reluctance to implement the three-language policy. This policy, introduced by the Union government in the 1960s as a means to strengthen national integration, has faced opposition in some states, particularly in the south, who see it as an attempt to impose Hindi.
The three-language policy, as advocated by the New Education Policy-2020, allows states, regions, and students to choose the third language as long as two are native to India. However, the Union government's insistence on its implementation has led to protests in Tamil Nadu, where the state has been following the two-language formula, with English as the second language.
Educationists encourage children learning three languages, provided primary education is in the mother tongue. Yet, the Union government's stance on the matter has raised concerns about its role in determining the number of languages a student should learn, particularly in primary and secondary education.
The Constitution of India recognises India as a union of states, with education originally a subject under the 'State List', giving the Union government a limited role in coordination and determining standards in universities. The Union government's actions towards state governments in imposing policies and regulations are being perceived as an attack on democracy.
The Union government's draft UGC regulations on vice-chancellor appointments in state universities exclude state governments from the selection process, further fuelling the perception of the Union government overstepping its bounds. The Constitution was amended during the Emergency to give the Union government a greater say in education by listing it in the 'Concurrent List', but the Union government does not have the constitutional power to make a statement that a state government must comply with a Union government policy or risk defying the Constitution.
It is incorrect for the Union education minister to withhold Central funds as a means to force state governments to accept and implement Union government policies. The Union government should respect the traditional democratic processes and dialogue in its interactions with state governments. The New Education Policy-2020 gives states the freedom to choose the third language, potentially allowing Tamil Nadu to avoid the threat of a Union government-imposed language.
Several state governments have already raised objections to the draft UGC regulations. The Union government should abandon the thought that it is the ultimate authority over state governments and should communicate in a democratic manner, not through threats and blackmail. The three-language policy debate between the Union and Tamil Nadu government is unfortunate and requires immediate resolution.
