NEP is unconstitutional, promotes commercialisation, says educationist

P.B. Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary of the State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), on Sunday strongly criticised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for undermining educational equality and federal principles. He said the policy was unconstitutional and promoted commercialisation.

Addressing a meeting organised in Tiruchi by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) on NEP and the denial of federal rights, Mr. Babu said, “NEP 2020 promotes inequality from kindergarten to higher education and promotes commercialisation at every level.”

He contended that introducing a limited number of PM SHRI schools while neglecting thousands of existing government schools would create division among people and violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, right to equality and personal liberty. He warned that imparting vocational skill training to young children would lead to child labour and trap youth in semi-skilled jobs.

He also demanded the permanent appointment of physical education and computer science teachers across all schools. Condemning the Common University Entrance Test-based college admissions, Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Blended Learning, and the Multiple Entry/Exit system, he said: “The NEP permits non-qualified individuals to become teachers and Vice-Chancellors, stripping State governments of their rights.”

‘Withdraw HECI Bill’

Mr. Babu also called for the immediate withdrawal of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, and said: “Under Article 246, education is a State subject. Any Central interference undermines federalism.”

He urged the Tamil Nadu government to eliminate categories such as Schools of Excellence and Model Schools, and instead strengthen all government schools equally. “Samacheer Kalvi ensures equal learning opportunities. That must be protected,” Mr. Babu added.

TPDK general secretary K. Ramakrishnan slammed the Union government’s policies. He praised the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme and the Noon Meal Scheme for significantly reducing dropout rate. “Even migrant workers from Hindi-speaking States choose government schools in Tamil Nadu for their children. This speaks volumes about the quality of the education in our State,” he said.

Mr. Ramakrishnan accused the Centre of deliberately increasing dropout rates to produce cheap labour and push back progressive States. He condemned the three-language policy, calling it “a conspiracy to impose Hindi and erase regional identities.”