THREE LANGUAGE POLICY
What is the three language policy?
- The Hindi speaking states were to teach a third language apart from Hindi and English which was native to India.
- The non-Hindi speaking states were to teach Hindi as the third language apart from the local state language and English.
The aim of the policy was to promote integrity within the country via a commonly recoznisable language medium, Hindi. However, due to a strong opposition by states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu continued to follow a two language policy.
The three language formula has been re-introduced in the NEP 2020, with the change of not imposing Hindi as a compulsory language, but by making two native languages compulsory along with English.
What is the issue?
Recognizing the policy as a threat to their linguistic identity and an unsaid imposition of Hindi, Tamil Nadu has re-opposed the NEP leading to a center-state conflict. The center has thus stopped the Samagra Shiskha Abhiyan funding to Tamil Nadu which has caused a rift between the two.
Way Forward
- Education is a subject of the concurrent list, hence, the decision regarding the policies should be mutual and not imposed.
- A dialogue between the center and state keeping aside the prejudices and political agendas in order to work out a beneficial solution for the students.
- The faculty available in different states might not be proficient in the languages chosen. Proper consideration of the teacher-student ratio and the quality of education imparted is necessary.
- The provision of funds being stopped results in the creation of a further rift and also hinders education of the students. The funds should be provided to the state and a decision should be made without any forceful implications.
Nandini Singla, is a student at ARSD College, Delhi University. She writes for Vidyapeeth IAS Academy.
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