Syllabus :GS2/Governance
In News
- Maharashtra has withdrawn its plan to implement the three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5 in State government schools following strong opposition from academics, activists, and political parties.
What is the three-language formula?
- The three-language formula was first proposed by the Kothari Commission (1964–66) and formally adopted in the 1968 National Policy on Education (NPE) under the Indira Gandhi government, aimed to promote linguistic diversity and national unity.
- National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) retains the three-language formula but offers greater flexibility, ensuring no language is imposed.
- The older policy mandated the study of Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a South Indian language) in Hindi-speaking states, and Hindi, English, and the regional language in non-Hindi-speaking states.
- In contrast, NEP 2020 offers more flexibility, stating that no language will be imposed on any state.
- The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has consistently backed the three-language formula.
Objectives
- It aims to foster national unity by promoting linguistic harmony and encouraging multilingualism across different regions.
- It supports communication among diverse communities while preserving cultural heritage through the emphasis on local and classical languages.
- Additionally, early exposure to multiple languages enhances cognitive skills, aiding learning and comprehension.
| Do you know? – NEP 2020 emphasizes the availability of high-quality textbooks, including in science, in home languages. – In line with this, NCERT released digital books in 104 regional languages and dialects in 2024. – Languages include Bengali, Tulu, Ladakhi, Pashto, Dogri, and others. SCERTs are responsible for facilitating translations into local languages. – States like Assam and Andhra Pradesh have begun implementing this initiative by introducing bilingual textbooks in subjects like Science and Maths, combining English with regional languages such as Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, and Telugu. |
Criticisms
- Non-Hindi speaking states argue the policy subtly promotes Hindi, undermining linguistic federalism.
- States like Tamil Nadu have consistently opposed the policy, opting for a two-language system instead.
- Shortage of qualified language teachers and inadequate study materials in regional languages hamper implementation.
Way Ahead
- The NEP 2020 addresses language concerns by introducing flexibility, permitting states, schools, and students to choose their languages, provided two of the three are Indian.
- For effective implementation, it emphasizes the need for inclusive policy-making involving all linguistic communities, substantial investment in teacher training and quality translations, and clear guidelines that grant states the autonomy to adapt the policy to local contexts.
- The three-language formula can be implemented while keeping in mind constitutional provisions, multilingualism, and national unity.
Source: TH