India, March 6 -- The issue of Hindi imposition has been a longstanding point of contention between the Union government and the government of Tamil Nadu. The state consistently voiced its concerns over the imposition of Hindi since 1930s. But, the recent resurgence of the debate can be traced to Union government's decision to withhold Rs.2,153 crore due to Tamil Nadu's department of school education under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan cited Tamil Nadu's refusal to fully endorse the National Education Policy (NEP) as the reason for the denial of funds. Chief minister MK Stalin condemned the denial of funds, terming it as an attempt to pressure Tamil Nadu into compliance.

The Union governme...