Tamil Nadu’s New School Policy Doubles Down on Two-Language Instruction

The Tamil Nadu government has officially released its fresh State Policy for School Education, and it clearly reaffirms the state’s long-standing two-language formula—Tamil and English—as the medium of instruction across schools. I’m writing about this because language policy shapes not only how children learn in classrooms, but also how they connect with their culture and

I’m writing about this because language policy shapes not only how children learn in classrooms, but also how they connect with their culture and future opportunities. Tamil Nadu’s decision to stick with two languages is a meaningful response to both local history and global needs. It underscores the importance of preserving regional identity while ensuring students gain English proficiency. This approach influences classroom dynamics, teacher training, and curriculum design, making it vital for educators, parents, and policymakers to understand. By unpacking what’s in the policy and why this language approach matters, I hope to show how deeply education policy affects students’ learning experience and cultural ties.

Language in Focus: Why Tamil Nadu Prefers Two

In Tamil Nadu, the choice of two languages—Tamil and English—has been a political and cultural stand for decades. It resists the one-size-fits-all three-language formula recommended nationally, which often includes Hindi. CM M.K. Stalin’s reaffirmation of two languages maintains Tamil Nadu’s commitment to its linguistic heritage while ensuring students are proficient in English, which remains critical for higher education and global job markets.

What the Policy Covers

Medium of Instruction: Tamil remains central in early and primary classes, while English gains prominence gradually.
Curriculum Design: Subject matter is delivered in both languages, ensuring clarity and accessibility while students build bilingual fluency.
Teacher Training: Educators are developing materials and honing methods that balance Tamil literacy and English skills.
Student Support: Special coaching and workshops help students transition smoothly between languages, especially in subjects like science and maths.

Benefits and Challenges

Advantages

Preserves cultural identity and pride in the mother tongue
Builds strong foundational literacy in Tamil
Promotes fluency in English for future academic and career prospects

Challenges

Demands high skill from teachers to teach bilingually
Requires careful planning to avoid confusion or overload for students
Needs consistent investment in resource development in both languages

What This Means for Schools

Schools across Tamil Nadu will now focus on designing lesson plans with a bilingual approach. Resources like textbooks, teaching aids, and digital content will need translation and alignment. Teacher training sessions will emphasise strategies to encourage smooth transitions from Tamil to English while maintaining comprehension. From pre-primary to higher secondary, schools must ensure both languages are used effectively and meaningfully.

Why Delhi’s New School Fee Bill Puts Education Before Profit

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled the ‘Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025’, making it clear that education is not meant to be a commercial venture. I’m writing about this because education affects every family in Delhi—and when school fees rise without checks, it becomes a burden that

I’m writing about this because education affects every family in Delhi—and when school fees rise without checks, it becomes a burden that many parents struggle to bear. This new legislation stands out as a public stand with parents, not institutions. It brings much-needed transparency and oversight to private school fee hikes, a topic that’s been fraught with unregulated increases for years. For families, educators, and policymakers, this signals a shift toward fairness and accountability in education. Highlighting the key features of the bill and its impact helps all of us understand how schools should truly serve students, not profits.

What the Bill Brings to the Table

Transparent Fee Approvals: Now, all unaided private schools—wherever they are located—must get government approval before raising fees. Previously, only those on government-allocated land were covered.
Regulatory Mechanism: A three-tier system of committees will assess and approve fee hikes, ensuring they’re justified, fair, and transparent.
Penalties for Violations: Schools that bypass the process or charge arbitrary hikes will face strict penalties, reinforcing accountability.

A Departure from Past Practices

Delhi’s AAP government had little success with enforcing fee regulation despite court rulings. Now, the BJP administration has chosen to back parents directly. CM Gupta noted that this is the first time a state government has formally stood alongside parents in this fight.

What It Means for Parents and Schools

Stakeholder	What Changes
Parents	Greater predictability and fairness in school fees
Schools	Mandated justification for fee increases
Students	Better access to education without financial strain

Schools will now need to justify every fee increment clearly and in writing. Parents must be informed well in advance, avoiding sudden financial surprises.