Tamil Nadu replaces rupee symbol (₹) with Tamil script (ரூ) in State budget

The Tamil Nadu government has dropped the official rupee symbol (₹) from its state Budget 2025, replacing it with the Tamil script. This decision, led by the DMK government under Chief Minister MK Stalin, is seen as a direct assertion of Tamil linguistic and cultural identity, furthering its opposition to the Centre’s policies, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of resisting NEP’s implementation, especially its three-language formula, which mandates the inclusion of Hindi. The state has firmly adhered to its two-language policy of Tamil and English, a stance that has resulted in the Centre withholding ₹573 crore in central educational assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). According to policy guidelines, states must comply with NEP directives to receive SSA funding, with the Centre contributing 60% of the total allocation.

The move to replace the rupee symbol in the Budget is being interpreted as an extension of Tamil Nadu’s broader resistance to what it perceives as impositions by the Central government. While state officials have maintained that the use of Tamil numerals and script aligns with the state’s linguistic pride, critics argue that the decision politicizes financial documents and may set a precedent for further deviations from national standards.

Political analysts suggest that this could trigger a new debate on state autonomy in fiscal matters. The DMK has long championed federalism and regional identity, frequently clashing with the Centre over language and education policies. The exclusion of the rupee symbol, a nationally recognized representation of India’s currency, marks an unprecedented step in this ongoing tussle.

While opposition parties within Tamil Nadu have largely remained silent, national leaders have criticized the move, calling it a symbolic rejection of national unity. "This is an unnecessary provocation," remarked a senior BJP leader, emphasizing the importance of standardization in government documents. However, DMK leaders argue that Tamil Nadu has the right to prioritize its linguistic heritage and ensure that financial documents reflect the state’s identity.

With this latest development, the political divide between Tamil Nadu and the Centre appears to be deepening. As discussions over the NEP continue, Tamil Nadu's decision to drop the rupee symbol may become another flashpoint in the ongoing state-versus-Centre battle over language and governance.