Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday reaffirmed the state's commitment to the two-language policy, urging the central government to reconsider the three-language formula. He also advocated for greater use of Tamil in official and judicial proceedings. Delivering his maiden inaugural address to the state assembly, Governor Arlekar stated, "Tamil Nadu will continue its two-language policy since it is what the people of Tamil Nadu have accepted. We will urge the Union government to use Tamil as the language of pleading in the Madras High Court. The government will strongly oppose the National Education Policy."
Historical Context of Language Policy
Governor Arlekar highlighted the long-standing legislative history behind the state's language stance. He noted that in 1968, under Chief Minister Perarignar Anna, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to replace the three-language formula with Tamil and English only. "From then until now, the two-language policy has been adopted in Tamil Nadu. This Government will continue to follow this policy since the two-language policy is one that the people of Tamil Nadu have accepted," he said.
Opposition to Central Funding Conditions
The Governor criticized the Union government for linking central funds to the implementation of the three-language formula, calling the condition 'unacceptable'. He specifically mentioned the withholding of Rs 3,458 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which he said affects the state's education funding. "This Government will strongly oppose the National Education Policy, 2020. The Union Government’s stand that Rs 3,458 crore due to Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan will be released only if the three-language formula is implemented is unacceptable," he asserted.
Protection of Tamil Language
Governor Arlekar emphasized that safeguarding the Tamil language is a 'foremost pillar' of the government's 'Vetri Thamizhagam' vision document. He called for permission to use Tamil as the language of pleading in the Madras High Court and its Madurai Bench. Additionally, he urged the establishment of a permanent Supreme Court Bench in Chennai to improve access to justice for people in southern states.
Financial Devolution Concerns
The Governor announced that a detailed report highlighting the Centre's 'discriminatory approach' towards financial devolution to Tamil Nadu will be prepared and made public. He also stated that a special legal committee will be constituted to pursue the issue up to the Supreme Court to secure fair financial devolution. He referred to a White Paper released by the state government, which alleged fiscal mismanagement by the previous administration, noting that "every individual living in Tamil Nadu bears a debt burden of over Rs 1 lakh."
Political Context
Chief Minister Vijay, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior leaders were present during the address. For the first time in recent years, the Governor closely followed the government-prepared text of his speech, unlike his predecessor RN Ravi, who had earlier walked out amid tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the DMK-led government. The Governor also flagged administrative and fiscal concerns, including allegations of declining tax efficiency from 5.93 per cent of GSDP to 5.40 per cent due to 'systemic issues and corruption.'
The Tamil Nadu government will continue efforts to press the Centre to safeguard the state's welfare, protect state rights, and implement necessary development schemes.
