Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil during the 56th CISF Foundation Day celebrations in Ranipet district on March 7, 2025. The call comes amid the language row, where the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has accused the Centre of imposing Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Shah highlighted the Modi government's efforts to promote regional languages, especially the CAPF exams, and praised Tamil Nadu's cultural contribution to India.
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Tamil Nadu's current efforts:
Engineering education in Tamil: Tamil Nadu has been offering engineering courses in Tamil since 2010. The initiative was initiated by the then M. Karunanidhi government, which introduced undergraduate courses in civil and mechanical engineering in Tamil medium in constituent colleges of Anna University. The government also set undergraduate engineering exam question papers in both English and Tamil, giving students the option to answer in either language. Decrease in patronage: Initially, the courses received good patronage, with even some students from English-medium schools opting for the Tamil course. However, over the years, the number of students opting for Tamil medium courses has declined. In 2023, Anna University suspended Tamil medium courses in its 11 constituent colleges due to low enrolment. The decision was later reversed on the advice of the Higher Education Minister.
Medical education in Tamil:
Previous initiatives: In 2010, the DMK government proposed to introduce medical education in Tamil, but the idea did not materialise after the DMK lost the elections in 2011. In October 2022, current state health minister Ma. Subramanian announced steps to introduce Tamil medium in medical colleges. The government plans to start a medical college in Chennai with Tamil as the teaching medium, subject to the approval of the central government.
Current status: As of March 2025, the status quo remains, with no concrete progress on starting medical education in Tamil. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University has indicated that affiliated medical colleges will provide education in Tamil and English, and the state will provide Tamil textbooks if required.
Amit Shah's remarks:
Promotion of regional languages: Shah emphasised the Modi government's efforts to promote regional languages, especially in the CAPF exams. He highlighted that the exam can now be written in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, including Tamil.
Appeal to Stalin: Shah appealed to Stalin to introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil, saying it would benefit Tamil-medium students and strengthen Tamil as a mother tongue. He also praised Tamil Nadu's cultural contributions to India, emphasising the state's role in administrative reforms, spiritual heights, education and national integration.
M.K. Stalin's reaction:
Opposition to Hindi imposition: Stalin has been vocal against the alleged imposition of Hindi through the NEP 2020. He has accused the Centre of "Hindi colonialism" and said Tamil Nadu will only follow a two-language policy (Tamil and English).
Sharp reactions: On the same day of Shah's remarks, Stalin criticised the Centre's language policies, warning against attempts to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu. He accused the Union education minister of provoking Tamil Nadu and challenging the BJP to make Hindi imposition a key agenda in the 2026 assembly elections.
Broader implications
National Education Policy (NEP 2020):
Three-language formula: The NEP 2020 includes a three-language formula, which has been a matter of controversy. The DMK government has opposed it, arguing that it imposes Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has insisted that Tamil Nadu must implement the policy to receive Rs 2,152 crore in education funds.
Political tensions: The language issue has fuelled political tensions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu. The DMK government has accused the Centre of taking a political stance and maintained its stand against the three-language formula.
Conclusion
Amit Shah's call to introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil reflects the ongoing language debate in Tamil Nadu. While the state has attempted to provide engineering education in Tamil since 2010, the initiative has faced challenges, including waning interest from students. Starting medical education in Tamil remains a proposed idea, with no concrete progress as of March 2025. The political context marked by strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi further complicates the issue, highlighting the wider implications of language policies in India.