NEW EDUCATION POLICY & 3 LANGUGE FORMULA
Maharashtra govt withdraws Hindi as default third language in primary schools
History
The language controversy in India, particularly regarding the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is a recurring issue with deep historical roots. Non-Hindi speaking states, especially Tamil Nadu, view it as a potential imposition of Hindi and a threat to their linguistic and cultural identities. This controversy is relevant for the UPSC exam as it highlights issues of national integration, linguistic diversity, and the role of education policies.
Background
The Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi written in Devnagari Script along with English as the official language of the country on September 14, 1949, under Article 343(1).
Article 351 gives power to the Union Government to issue a directive for the development of the Hindi language.
The Hindi language is one of the 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The imposition of Hindi was contested in many non-Hindi states, especially in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Violent protests broke out in southern India leading the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to introduce the ‘Official Languages Act’ in 1963, which assured the continuation of English along with Hindi as the official language of the Union of India.
Anti-Hindi protests of 1965 marked an important turn in India’s official language policy. The ‘Official Languages Act’ was amended in 1967 guaranteeing the “virtual indefinite policy of bilingualism” for all official purposes of the Union.
Given the linguistic diversity of India, there is no national language as all the states are free to decide their own official languages.
Major Language Agitations in Recent Times
- Maharashtra: MNS-led (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) protests demanding compulsory use of Marathi in public services, banking, signage, etc.
- Tamil Nadu: Opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) and alleged Hindi imposition.
- Manipur: Ethnolinguistic tensions exacerbated by the Meitei-Kuki conflict, with language, script (Meitei Mayek versus Bengali script), and identity at the centre.
- Karnataka: Push for Kannada in official communication and resistance to Hindi or English dominance.
- Northeast India: Demands for the protection of tribal languages and mother tongues against Assamese and English encroachment.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE /CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION
- Part XVII
• Article 343-351 - 4 head
- Language of union
• Regional L • Judiciary L - Text of law and specific directives Languages of union
- Hindi: official • English: earlier for 15 years, now continued
- President appoint commission → examined by parliament committee
- Official language act 1963
- 22 scheduled language specified
Critically Analise One Nation One Language
Implications of Language Agitations and Identity Politics for India’s Socio-Political Landscape
Federalism Under Strain
• Language agitations challenge and test the centralizing tendencies of the Union government.
• States demanding linguistic autonomy may resist national integration efforts, leading to tension between the Centre and regional governments.
Case Studies
Anti-Hindi Agitation in Tamil Nadu
• One of the earliest, starting in 1937 and onwards, and most impactful language agitations in the country.
• Prevented the imposition of Hindi as a national language and led to a dual-language policy (Hindi-English) at the national level.
• Gave rise to powerful Dravidian parties like DMK, AIADMK, etc.
Meitei Mayek versus Bengali Script in Manipur
Evolution of Three Language Formula Policy
• Article 351 of the Constitution: Makes the Union duty bound to promote the spread of the Hindi language.
• Kothari Commission (1964-66): It first proposed the three-language formula, which was later adopted in the National Policy on Education (1968).
• National Education Policy (NEP), 1968: Observed use of regional languages at the primary and secondary stages, and called to adopt the same at the university stage as well.
In language debates, SC had voted for ‘linguistic secularism’
The apex court in U.P. Hindi Sahittya Sammelan vs State Of U.P. in September 2014 had observed that the mode of development or evolution of both law and language in the country were “organic”. Indian language laws, the court said, were “not rigid but accommodative – the object being to secure linguistic secularism”.
Conclusion/Way Forward
• Strengthen Multilingual Governance: All government services and portals should be accessible in regional languages alongside Hindi and English. E-governance tools should use Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Indian languages to enhance inclusivity.
• Promote Mother Tongue Education: Encourage primary education in mother tongues, as recommended by NEP 2020. Invest in regional language textbooks, teacher training, digital learning materials, etc.
• Decentralise Language Policy: Allow states greater autonomy in shaping their language policies, recruitment, and education systems. However, it must be done within the framework of constitutional unity and morality.
• Build Cultural Bridges: Promote cultural exchanges, multilingual festivals, and interstate scholarships to foster empathy and appreciation of diversity. Encourage celebrities, media, and influencers to embrace multilingualism rather than promote linguistic superiority.
• Regulate Hate Speech and Political Provocation: Curb the use of language-based rhetoric to incite violence or hatred, especially during elections. Political parties must be held accountable for divisive identity politics.
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🧠 Blog Title Suggestions with Power Words
- Reimagining India’s Classrooms: NEP 2020 & the Three-Language Formula
- NEP 2020 Decoded: India’s Bold Step in Education & Language Reform
- NEP & Language Policy: A Paradigm Shift for India’s Future
- The Power of Policy: NEP 2020 & the Linguistic Bridge to Unity
- Three-Language Formula in NEP 2020: One Nation, Many Tongues
📚 Blog Content
🧾 Introduction: Why NEP 2020 Matters
India’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark reform aiming to transform India’s education system after 34 years. With a strong focus on holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary learning, language plays a pivotal role. One of the most discussed aspects is the Three-Language Formula, aimed at promoting linguistic diversity and national integration.
🧩 What is the Three-Language Formula?
Originally introduced in the 1968 Education Policy and reiterated in NEP 2020, this policy proposes:
- Students should learn three languages in school.
- At least two of these should be native to India.
- It encourages mother tongue/regional language as the medium of instruction till at least Grade 5, preferably Grade 8.
🔍 Objectives:
- Promote multilingualism.
- Strengthen national unity.
- Respect linguistic diversity.
- Foster cognitive development through mother-tongue education.
🧭 Implementation under NEP 2020
| Stage | Implementation Focus |
|---|---|
| Foundational (3–8 yrs) | Focus on mother tongue or regional language |
| Preparatory (8–11 yrs) | Introduction to other Indian language |
| Middle (11–14 yrs) | Third language introduced |
| Secondary (14–18 yrs) | Multilingual focus retained, flexibility offered |
NEP allows flexibility in language choice by states, regions, and students, avoiding any imposition of Hindi or any single language.
⚖️ Controversy & Challenges
🧨 Criticism:
- Southern states like Tamil Nadu oppose it fearing imposition of Hindi.
- Risk of burdening students.
- Shortage of qualified language teachers.
🛠️ Challenges:
- Implementation varies across states.
- Teacher training and resource availability.
- Urban vs. Rural divide in language exposure.
🌍 Linguistic Unity in Diversity
NEP’s language formula encourages respect for all Indian languages—including Sanskrit, Pali, Persian, and regional dialects. This can bridge gaps and promote India’s cultural richness, aligning with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
🎯 UPSC Relevance
- 📌 GS II – Governance, Policy Interventions, Issues relating to education.
- 📌 Essay – Language and education, federalism, linguistic diversity.
- 📌 Interview – Practical implications of NEP reforms.
📝 Conclusion: A Path Forward
The Three-Language Formula under NEP 2020 is not just a curriculum change, but a cultural shift. It attempts to balance regional pride, national unity, and global competitiveness. If implemented with sensitivity and support, it could reshape India’s educational and linguistic future.
Table of Contents
Language Formula
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#Language Formula ,3 Language Formula