Chennai, Dec 4 : The BJP has intensified its criticism of the Tamil Nadu governmentâ??s education policies, with party spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad demanding that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin release a comprehensive white paper explaining the stateâ??s continued opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its refusal to implement key Central schemes such as Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and PM-SHRI Schools.

The demand follows Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhanâ??s remarks in Parliament on December 2, where he raised serious concerns over Tamil Naduâ??s reluctance to cooperate with the Centre on student-centric education initiatives.

Minister Pradhan reiterated that the Centre is fully prepared to release all pending educational funds, provided the state â??adopts an open-minded approachâ?? and prioritises the welfare of students over political compulsions.

Prasad said the Chief Minister must give the people of Tamil Nadu a transparent and accountable explanation, especially in light of the Ministerâ??s observations.

He urged CM Stalin to â??rise above partisanshipâ?? and address the concerns surrounding the blocking of NEP components that can enhance student skills, expand opportunities, and modernise the stateâ??s education ecosystem.

According to Prasad, Tamil Naduâ??s refusal to sign the required Memorandum of Understanding has stalled the rollout of JNVs and the PM-SHRI Scheme, despite repeated assurances of cooperation from the Centre.

He accused the state government of invoking â??false propagandaâ?? on Hindi imposition to oppose the NEPâ??s three-language formula, which he said does not mandate Hindi but encourages multilingual learning to empower students.

Prasad pointed to the Supreme Courtâ??s recent directive urging expedited consultations between the Centre and states on establishing JNVs, stressing that Tamil Naduâ??s current stance deprives rural students, Scheduled Tribes, and girl children of high-quality educational opportunities.

To ensure transparency, Prasad called on the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the performance of the Tamil Nadu Education Department and the stateâ??s non-implementation of NEP norms.

He said â??outdated Dravidian rhetoricâ?? should not hinder the constitutional right to education or limit the prospects of millions of students. Urging the Chief Minister to respond substantively to Union Minister Pradhanâ??s questions, Prasad said Tamil Naduâ??s education system can progress only through constructive federal cooperation and a sincere student-first approach.

/IANS