The NEP’s three-language policy has stirred fresh controversy in industrialised states, fuelling language-based politics and fears of Hindi imposition
States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have seen tensions rise, despite the NEP stating that “no language will be imposed”
The Centre’s actions—like linking RTE funds to NEP compliance and favouring Hindi in official documents—have deepened mistrust in non-Hindi regions
Maharashtra’s decision to make Hindi compulsory in state-run primary schools triggered backlash, forcing the state to withdraw the order
Across party lines, language chauvinism is growing. Political expediency is undermining linguistic diversity and constitutional federalism
Language learning must be driven by personal choice. In a multilingual, mobile India, the State should facilitate—not dictate—language decisions