Chennai, Sept 19:
Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has said that Tamil Nadu’s position against introducing Navodaya schools in the State should be maintained and that a special Assembly session could be convened if necessary to adopt a resolution on the issue.
In a statement, Udhayanidhi said opposition to the imposition of Hindi should not be interpreted as opposition to the country or patriotism. He argued that Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy could continue while allowing states to follow their own language policies.
He said Tamil Nadu already had model residential schools and other educational infrastructure for students from economically disadvantaged sections, and questioned the need for separate Navodaya schools in the State.
Udhayanidhi also referred to the pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and urged the Union government to release the amount due to Tamil Nadu.
He welcomed the present government’s reported position against introducing Navodaya schools and called for the State to continue presenting its arguments before the court. He said a special Assembly session could be convened, if required, to reiterate Tamil Nadu’s position.