Tamil Nadu’s Fact-Check Unit Under Fire for Allegedly Shielding Ruling Party Amidst Language Controversy
CHENNAI, INDIA – The Tamil Nadu government’s official fact-checking initiative, TN Fact Check, has found itself embroiled in yet another controversy, accused of disseminating misinformation to deflect criticism aimed at the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The controversy revolves around allegations that schools operated by DMK leaders are circumventing the state’s mandate for compulsory Tamil language education, opting instead to prioritize English while relegating Tamil to a secondary language option.
The controversy ignited when TN Fact Check, via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, refuted claims that the Tamil Nadu government had not enforced Tamil as a compulsory subject. The fact-check unit cited the "Tamil Nadu Tamil Learning Act" of 2006, emphasizing its stipulation for mandatory Tamil instruction in schools from grades 1 to 10. They detailed the phased implementation of the act, commencing in the 2015-2016 academic year for grade 1 and progressively extending to subsequent grades. Furthermore, TN Fact Check highlighted a circular issued by the School Education Department for the 2024-2025 academic year, which purportedly reinforces the mandatory status of Tamil in all private schools, including those affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), up to grade 10.
However, the TN Fact Check unit’s assertions were swiftly challenged by social media users who presented evidence suggesting otherwise. Screenshots shared online, allegedly from the website of a school run by a DMK leader, depicted English as the primary language of instruction, with Tamil listed merely as an optional language alongside Hindi and French. This contradictory evidence sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule directed at TN Fact Check, with many accusing the unit of disseminating misleading information to protect the ruling DMK and misusing taxpayer funds in the process.
The controversy surrounding compulsory Tamil education in Tamil Nadu has been a long-standing and complex issue. While the state government has enacted legislation and issued directives to promote Tamil language learning, implementation and enforcement have often faced challenges. Critics argue that the emphasis on English as the medium of instruction in many private schools, particularly those catering to affluent families, undermines the government’s efforts to preserve and promote Tamil language and culture.
The allegations against DMK-affiliated schools add another layer of complexity to the issue, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and selective enforcement of regulations. The accusations of TN Fact Check acting as a shield for the ruling party further erode public trust in the credibility and impartiality of the government’s fact-checking mechanism. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining transparency and accountability in government communications, particularly in politically charged environments.
This incident is not the first time TN Fact Check has faced accusations of bias and promoting misinformation. Previous instances have raised questions about the unit’s objectivity and its role in shaping public discourse. The recurring nature of these controversies underscores the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of government-funded fact-checking initiatives to ensure they serve the public interest and uphold journalistic principles of accuracy and impartiality. The debate over the use of Tamil in schools and the role of TN Fact Check in disseminating information related to this issue is likely to continue, particularly in the lead-up to future elections. This controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of a robust and independent media landscape in holding those in power accountable and ensuring the free flow of accurate information.