NEP Row In Parliament: Privilege Notice Against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi: The debate over the proposed three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 rocked Parliament on Monday with DMK protesting vociferously and even leading to proceedings being adjourned.

Following the intense ongoing row between the Centre and Tamil Nadu government, DMK MP Kanimozhi filed a notice for breach of parliamentary privilege against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his remarks on the NEP issue.

Kanimozhi, who said the DMK government raised concerns over NEP and refused complete acceptance of the policy, claimed that the Central minister called them ‘liars’.

“They (Central government) should not link funds for school education with NEP implementation. We have not changed our stand. The minister called us liars and uncivilised. He hurt our pride. We are not against any language but you cannot call us uncivilised,” Kanimozhi stated.

The Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned after several Opposition members condemned Pradhan’s remarks.

Replying to a question on the PM SHRI scheme, Pradhan said the DMK government in Tamil Nadu had changed its stand on implementing the Centrally-sponsored scheme which envisaged strengthening schools managed by Central, state or local bodies.

“They are dishonest and they are ruining the future of the students of Tamil Nadu. They are doing politics,” Pradhan had alleged.