Critically analyze the Three-Language Formula under NEP 2020 in the context of India’s linguistic diversity and federal structure. Can it be implemented effectively?

The Three-Language Formula (TLF), first conceptualized by the Radhakrishnan Committee (1948-49) and institutionalized by the Kothari Commission(1964-66), was officially adopted under the National Policy on Education (1968). The NEP 2020 also asserts this formula to promote linguistic diversity, cognitive development, and national integration.

Three-Language Formula (TLF) under NEP 2020: A Reformative Shift:

• Flexibility in Language Choice: Unlike earlier policies mandating Hindi-English-regional language, NEP 2020 does not impose any language, allowing states and students to select languages based on regional and cultural preferences.
• Promotion of Indian Languages: At least two of the three languages must be Indian, ensuring the preservation and propagation of native tongues.
• Mother Tongue Focus: As per NEP 2020, home language/mother tongue/local language should ideally be the medium of instruction till Grade 8, fostering better conceptual clarity and emotional connection.

Constitutional provisions enabling it:

• Article 29 & 350A: Protect cultural and linguistic rights of minorities, mandating mother tongue instruction at the primary level.
• Article 351: Directs the Union to promote Hindi while enriching it with elements of other Indian languages.
• Eighth Schedule: Recognizes 22 official languages, reinforcing linguistic inclusivity.

Advantages of the Three-Language Formula (TLF):

1. Pedagogical Benefits:
   1. UNESCO’s 2024 report “Languages Matter” confirms that multilingual education improves cognitive ability, literacy, and academic outcomes.
   1. It helps in early language acquisition, leading to greater creativity and problem-solving skills.
2. Cultural Preservation & National Unity:
   1. It encourages respect for India’s linguistic plurality and helps prevent the extinction of tribal and regional languages.
   1. It enhances national integration by enabling communication across different parts of India.
3. Socio-Economic Empowerment:
   1. Increases employment opportunities in sectors like civil services, translation, tourism, and international trade. For instance, Switzerland attributes 10% of its GDP to its multilingual model.
4. Equity and Inclusion:
   1. Promotes educational access for marginalized communities and improves parental engagement when children learn in their mother tongue.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Political Resistance:
   1. States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and recently Maharashtra, oppose perceived Hindi imposition.
   1. The recent scrapping of the 3-language policy in Maharashtra after protests by the NCP and other stakeholders exemplifies the challenge of federal consensus.
2. Infrastructure and Human Resources:
   1. Shortage of qualified teachers for the second and third languages.
   1. Inadequate learning materials in many tribal and regional dialects.
3. Academic Burden:
   1. Risk of overburdening students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds with low literacy levels.
4. Implementation Disparities:
   1. Elite private schools implement the Three-Language Formula (TLF) better than under-resourced government schools, widening the education gap.
5. Technological Alternatives:
   1. AI tools like Google Gemini reduce the need for multilingual proficiency, challenging the relevance of Three-Language Formula (TLF) in a tech-enabled era.

Way Forward:

1. Cooperative Federalism:
   1. Build consensus through Centre-State dialogue to prevent politicization and ensure cooperative implementation.
2. Capacity Building:
   1. Invest in teacher training, multilingual content creation, and digital resources, especially in tribal and rural areas.
3. Community Involvement:
   1. Engage local communities, linguists, and educators to contextualize and preserve local languages.
4. Flexible and Voluntary Framework:
   1. Avoid rigid enforcement; allow students to select the third language based on personal interest or utility.
5. Monitoring & Evaluation:
   1. Conduct sociolinguistic surveys, track implementation challenges, and ensure data-driven policy corrections.

Conclusion:

The Three-Language Formula under NEP 2020 balances national integration, cultural preservation, and educational outcomes. However, it needs to ensure flexibility, inclusivity, resource adequacy and sensitivity to India’s federal ethos.

‘+1’ Value addition:

• Case Study: Chhattisgarh’s Multilingual Initiative (2024): With over 30% tribal population, the state introduced primary education in 18 tribal dialects. It developed bilingual textbooks and trained teachers, enhancing both student engagement and cultural preservation.
• Project ASMITA: (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian languages through Translation and Academic Writing) aims to produce 22,000 books in Indian languages in the next five years.
• Real-time Translation Architecture: led by the National Education Technology Forum (NEFT) in collaboration with Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, develops technology for real time translation of Indian languages.
• Bhashini: AI led language translation system.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/maharashtra-scraps-resolution-to-make-hindi-as-third-language/article69752172.ece

La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.

FOLLOW US ON:

◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam

◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS

◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/

GET IN TOUCH:

Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/

or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140

OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020

Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524,  Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040