THREE LANGUAGE POLICY
1. Context
There has been a tussle between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over the three-language formula in schools under the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The Union government has indicated that it needs to be complied with for release of funds tied to the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. However, the Tamil Nadu government views it as a ‘smokescreen’ for Hindi imposition and insists that it would continue with its two-language policy.
2. Constitutional Provisions on Languages
- There has been an ongoing dispute between the central government and the Tamil Nadu government regarding the three-language formula introduced under the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
- The Union government has indicated that adherence to this policy is necessary for the release of funds linked to the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. However, the Tamil Nadu government perceives this as an attempt to impose Hindi and maintains that it will continue with its existing two-language policy.
- As per the Constitution, Hindi is designated as the official language of the Union. Initially, English was intended to function as an official language for only 15 years following the adoption of the Constitution (until 1965).
- However, the Official Languages Act, 1963, allows for the continued use of English alongside Hindi for all official Union purposes indefinitely. Additionally, state legislatures have the authority to designate one or more regional languages or Hindi as the official language(s) for their respective states.
- Moreover, the Constitution entrusts the Union with the responsibility of promoting the Hindi language so that it may evolve as a medium of expression reflecting India’s diverse cultural heritage
3. What is the three-language policy?
- The three-language formula was initially introduced in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 1968. Along with the Official Language Resolution of 1968, this policy required non-Hindi-speaking states to include Hindi as a language in their curriculum.
- However, this directive faced resistance in Tamil Nadu, which has consistently adhered to its two-language policy, offering only Tamil and English in government schools.
- The NEP 2020 has retained the three-language formula but with a significant modification—it does not mandate the adoption of any particular language. Instead, it allows states, regions, and students to decide which languages to learn, provided that at least two of the three selected languages are of Indian origin
- Primary Objective: To promote multilingualism, cultural integration, and national unity while ensuring students gain proficiency in multiple languages.
- Languages to be Taught:
- First Language: The mother tongue or regional language.
- Second Language: In Hindi-speaking states, this is typically English or a modern Indian language (MIL). In non-Hindi-speaking states, it is usually Hindi.
- Third Language: In Hindi-speaking states, this is a modern Indian language (not Hindi) or a foreign language. In non-Hindi-speaking states, it is often English or another Indian language
4. Challenges
- The Annual Status of Education Research (ASER), conducted regularly by the well-known NGO Pratham, highlights significant gaps in learning outcomes. The 2022 report found that nearly 60% of Class V students were unable to read a Class II-level text.
- Similarly, the 2023 report revealed that 25% of youth aged 14-18 struggled to read a Class II-level text fluently in their regional language, while over 40% of this age group could not read basic sentences in English. Foundational numeracy skills, such as subtraction and division, also showed concerning deficiencies.
- According to the ‘Analysis of Budgeted Expenditure on Education’ report published by the Ministry of Education in 2022, the total revenue expenditure on elementary education for 2019-20 was estimated at ₹3.03 lakh crore.
- Of this, 85% was contributed by the states, while the Centre accounted for 15%. Overall, the combined expenditure on elementary, secondary, higher, and technical education by both the Centre and states remains around 4-4.5% of GDP, falling short of the 6% target set by NEP 2020. This indicates that investment in education has yet to reach the desired level
5. Way Forward
Although English is not an indigenous language, proficiency in it has significantly contributed to India's global competitiveness, particularly in various service industries. Given India's linguistic diversity, encouraging the learning of more Indian languages in schools is a commendable goal. However, existing challenges related to learning outcomes and resource limitations suggest that government-run schools should prioritize strengthening mother tongue/local language and English instruction, alongside foundational numeracy skills. Even in private schools, where a third language is taught until Class VIII, students often achieve only limited proficiency in that language.
According to 2011 Census data, around 26% of India's population is bilingual, while 7% can speak three languages. In urban areas, these figures rise to 44% and 15%, respectively, compared to 22% and 5% in rural regions. With increasing urbanization and migration of workers across the country, these numbers are expected to rise in the upcoming Census, suggesting that both young and adult populations will continue to acquire additional languages based on their needs
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For Prelims: NEP 2020, National Curriculum Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, University Grants Commission, Kothari Commission, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the key provisions and objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. How does it aim to transform the Indian education system, and what are its implications for inclusive development? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018)
1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the State Council of Teacher Education concerned.
2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines.
3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
Answer: B
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2016)
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
3. The objective(s) of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan is/are: (UKSSSC Forest Guard 2021)
A. To provide quality based education to all children from 14 to 18 years
B. Universal standstill till the year 2020
C. To provide residential school for the students of remote areas
D. All of the above
Answer: D
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Source: The Hindu
