CBSE Relaxes Three-Language Formula For Students 

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance; Education

Context

• Recently, the government has clarified that the students studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 in CBSE affiliated schools can continue learning foreign languages under the three-language policy until they finish Class 10.

About the Three-Language Formula Policy

• It aims to promote multilingualism, national integration, and linguistic diversity in India.
• Historical Background:
  • The three language policy was first recommended by the Kothari Commission (1964-66).
  • It was adopted in the National Policy on Education (NPE), 1968, and reiterated in NPE 1986/1992.
  • It was re-emphasised under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• According to NEP 2020:
  • Students will learn three languages, with flexibility in choice.
  • At least two of the three languages should be native to India.
  • No language is to be imposed on any State.
  • The choice of languages rests with States, regions and students.

Major Determinants & Objectives

• Promotion of Multilingualism: Enhances linguistic competence among students; and encourages learning beyond the mother tongue.
• National Integration: Helps in cross-regional communication; and enhances the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
• Preservation of Indian Languages: Helps in fulfilling constitutional responsibility through Articles 29, 350A and 351; and promotes the preservation of classical and regional languages.
• Cognitive and Educational Gains: NEP 2020 mentions that multilingual education increases cognitive and critical thinking abilities of students.
• Enhancement in Employability & Mobility: Helps in increasing educational and employability opportunities in India.

Issues and Concerns in Policy

• Language Imposition Fears: Some States, especially the ones in south India, feel that there is an issue of imposition of Hindi.
• Federal Issues: As Education falls in the Concurrent List of Schedule VII, states want more autonomy in making the language policy.
• Shortage of Language Educators: Many schools face shortage of educators of several Indian languages.
• Challenges in Implementation: Rural and remote schools do not always have the required infrastructure or learning materials.
  • Challenges related to timetabling and overloaded curriculum exist.
• Issues related to Equity: Students of government schools may get less language choices compared to the students of private schools.
  • Unequal access can increase educational disparities.
• Additional Burden for Students: Learning several languages can increase academic burden.

Recent Initiatives Addressing Major Concerns in Policy

• Flexibility in NEP 2020: NEP makes it clear that no language shall be imposed on any State.
  • Flexibility has been provided to the States and the students in choosing languages.
• National Curriculum Framework (NCF): It supports multilingual education while keeping in mind regional diversities.
  • Foundational literacy in the home language is emphasized.
• Promotion of Mother Tongue Medium: According to NEP, the medium of instruction up to Grade 5 (preferably up to Grade 8) should be in the home/mother tongue wherever possible.
• Training of Language Teachers: The Ministry of Education and NCERT have been working on developing multilingual teaching materials and training programs for the teachers.
• Use of Technology: Platforms like DIKSHA offer multilingual digital content.
  • Development of e-learning materials in various Indian languages is being undertaken.

Other Related Initiatives Related to Education in India

• NIPUN Bharat: It aims at promoting foundational literacy and numeracy.
• PM SHRI Schools Scheme: It works towards development of model schools in line with NEP 2020.
• Samagra Shiksha: It is an integrated school education program from pre-primary to Class XII.
• DIKSHA Platform: Digital learning resources in various Indian languages.
• NCF 2023: It promotes multilingual and competency-based education.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Initiative: It promotes inter-State cultural and linguistic interaction.

Way Forward: Strengthening Initiatives

• Facilitate Cooperative Federalism: The language policy should be evolved with consultations between the Union and the States.
• Increase Flexibility: There should be increased language choices for the students according to the requirements of region/locality.
• Teacher Capacity Building: Recruitment and training of competent language teachers in all Indian languages.
• Development of Multilingual Learning Materials: There should be development of good quality textbooks and digital content in all scheduled languages.
• Use of Technology: Using AI-enabled translation tools and digital platforms for multilingual education.
• Mother Tongue Based Education: Promotion of multilingual proficiency along with mother tongue-based foundational learning.

Source: TH