Haryana Implements Three-Language Formula in Schools
The Haryana government has introduced a three-language formula in schools under the Board of School Education, Bhiwani for Class IX and X. This decision aligns with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Pankaj Agarwal, Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, issued the order on February 20, 2025.
New Subject Requirements
Under the updated curriculum:
- English and Hindi are mandatory.
- Students must choose a third language from Sanskrit, Punjabi, or Urdu.
- Other compulsory subjects include Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.
- Students can opt for an additional subject, such as vocational studies, physical education, drawing, or music.
The new structure will apply to Class IX from 2025-26 and extend to both Class IX and X from 2026-27.
Positive Response from Educators
Punjabi teachers and the Language Promotion Society (PTLPS) of Haryana welcomed this decision. PTLPS representatives expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Principal Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and Secondary Education Director Jitendra Kumar.
Haryana is now the first state to implement this formula as proposed in NEP 2020. The PTLPS believes this step will enhance students’ moral values and expand job opportunities in India and abroad. They also stressed that language options should not be replaced by vocational subjects to ensure a strong foundation in languages.
Call for Additional Reforms
PTLPS has urged the government to:
- Make the three-language formula mandatory in all CBSE-affiliated schools in Haryana.
- Promote Punjabi teachers to lecturer posts, as teachers of other subjects have already been promoted.
- Implement the CBSE curriculum for Punjabi in Haryana Board schools from Class IX to XII for better alignment with student needs.
- Ensure timely availability of Punjabi textbooks in government schools before the next academic session.
The organization also emphasized the need for more Punjabi teachers and lecturers in districts with large Punjabi-speaking populations such as Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Karnal, and Kaithal. PTLPS called for prioritizing these districts in the upcoming teacher transfer drive. Additionally, they urged the government to introduce Punjabi as a subject from Class III in these areas, following NEP guidelines.
The three-language formula is a significant step toward expanding language education in Haryana. However, educators continue to advocate for further improvements to strengthen linguistic learning and teaching standards across the state.
