The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party has criticized the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) three-language formula, stating it leaves no scope for students in South Indian states to learn another language. The party argues the policy imposes Hindi and Sanskrit, marginalizing regional languages.
In a statement, DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said the formula forces Tamil Nadu students to study Hindi or Sanskrit alongside English and Tamil, leaving no room for a fourth language like French or German. He called it a "coercive imposition" undermining the state's two-language policy of Tamil and English.
The CBSE's three-language formula, part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, typically includes Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language. Southern states have historically resisted Hindi imposition, advocating for regional language primacy.
As of April 2026, the debate continues, with the DMK urging the central government to allow flexibility. The Union Education Ministry has previously stated the policy aims for multilingualism without imposition, but states retain implementation autonomy.
