Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar has assured that the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 allows states and students to select their preferred languages without any imposition from the central government. He made this statement in Parliament to address concerns raised by some states, particularly Tamil Nadu, about the potential imposition of Hindi.
Flexibility in Language Selection
Majumdar emphasized that the three-language policy grants full flexibility to states and students when choosing languages for education. He clarified that there is no mandate from the central government to impose any particular language.
The choice of languages will remain with the states, regions, and students, ensuring respect for India’s linguistic diversity.
According to the policy, at least two of the three languages selected must be indigenous to India. This provision ensures the preservation of regional languages and strengthens the country’s multilingual identity.
Addressing Concerns Over Hindi Imposition
Tamil Nadu’s political leaders have voiced opposition to the three-language formula, arguing that it could lead to the dominance of Hindi over regional languages. Majumdar dismissed these claims, stating that the NEP only promotes language diversity without enforcing any language.
The policy does not seek to impose Hindi but encourages states to maintain their linguistic heritage.
Majumdar reiterated that the NEP’s goal is to encourage multilingualism while respecting the linguistic diversity of each region.
Promotion of Multilingualism and National Unity
The NEP 2020 aims to enhance national unity through language diversity by encouraging the use of local languages in education. The policy includes provisions for:
- High-quality educational materials in students’ mother tongues.
- Bilingual teaching methods to ensure better understanding.
- Flexibility in adopting regional and indigenous languages in the curriculum.
Conclusion
Majumdar’s statement underscores the central government’s commitment to upholding the linguistic rights of states and students under NEP 2020. The policy ensures that the three-language formula respects India’s linguistic diversity while promoting national unity and multilingualism in education.
