In a landmark decision, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that it will remove the official Indian Rupee symbol (₹) from the state’s Budget 2025. Instead, the government will use the Tamil script to represent currency values in all official budget documents. This move marks the first time a state has opted to reject the national currency symbol, signaling a strong stance against the central government’s policies and the National Education Policy (NEP).
A Bold Political Statement
The decision comes as a direct protest against the NEP, which Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed, citing concerns over the imposition of Hindi and centralization of education. By replacing the Rupee symbol with Tamil script, the state government is reinforcing its commitment to preserving Tamil identity and resisting perceived encroachments on federal autonomy.
A senior government official stated, “This is not just a symbolic change; it reflects Tamil Nadu’s resolve to uphold our linguistic and cultural heritage. The decision to remove the Rupee symbol is a step toward asserting our distinct identity within the federal structure.”
Historical Significance
This is the first instance in independent India’s history where a state has officially abandoned the national currency symbol in favor of a regional script. The move is expected to spark political debate and could lead to further friction between the state and the central government.
Political analysts view this as a calculated political move ahead of the state elections. “Tamil Nadu has always maintained a strong stance on language and identity issues. This decision aligns with the state’s broader political strategy to assert autonomy and resist central policies,” said a political expert.
Public and Political Reactions
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. While regional parties and pro-Tamil groups have welcomed the decision as a bold step toward preserving Tamil identity, opposition parties have criticized it as a divisive and politically motivated act.
A spokesperson from the opposition remarked, “This decision will only create confusion and weaken the state’s economic position. The government should focus on improving financial governance rather than indulging in symbolic politics.”
Implications for Future Budgets
The new Tamil script representation will be implemented from the Budget 2025 presentation onwards. Financial experts have raised questions about how this change will affect interstate financial transactions and central fund allocations. However, state officials have assured that all technical and logistical challenges will be addressed before the budget presentation.
