Tamil Nadu Will Continue Two-Language Policy, CM Vijay Tells Assembly, Renews Demand to Exempt State from NEET

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay told the Assembly that the state will continue with its two-language policy, reiterating the state's stand even as the central government intensifies efforts to implement a three-language scheme in southern states. Vijay said there is no alternative to Tamil as the state's official language and to the existing two-language policy.

"This policy is aimed at preserving and strengthening Tamil as our language of administration, while at the same time ensuring that our students have access to the best global intellectual and career opportunities through English medium education. Tamil Nadu will continue to firmly uphold this two-language policy," the Chief Minister said. The announcement comes at a time when language-related debates are active at the national level.

The two-language policy was originally introduced in Tamil Nadu by the first DMK government led by C N Annadurai in 1968.

The Chief Minister also strongly criticised the NEET examination for medical admissions in the Assembly, saying it denies equal opportunities to economically disadvantaged students. Vijay demanded that Tamil Nadu be allowed to admit students into medical degree courses based on Class 12 marks. "Our stand is that Tamil Nadu should be completely exempted from the central government's NEET examination," he said, adding that the state would soon hold talks with the Centre seeking the autonomy to take its own decision on the NEET issue.