Why in News?
The Karnataka State Education Policy panel proposed a two-language policy for 90% of schools, teaching only Kannada and English, abandoning the three-language formula including Hindi. In minority schools, three languages remain, with the third language optional and unassessed.
Description:
- Article 351 of the Indian Constitution mandates the Union to promote Hindi.
- Kothari Commission (1964-66): First proposed the Three-Language Formula.
- National Policy on Education (NEP), 1968: Adopted a three-language formula—Hindi, English, and regional language.
- Programme of Action (1992): Emphasized mother tongue/regional language as the medium at pre-school level.
- Right to Education Act (2009): Medium of instruction should be a child’s mother tongue wherever possible.
- NEP 2020: Recommends:
- Learning 3 languages.
- At least two languages should be Indian languages.
- Medium of instruction till Grade 5 (preferably Grade 8) in home/mother/local/regional language.
- Flexibility for states/students to choose languages.
Key Features of NEP 2020 Three-Language Formula:
- Promotes multilingualism respecting cultural and regional diversity.
- Unlike earlier rigid mandates, it allows regional flexibility and choice.
- Encourages learning Indian languages alongside English.
- Supports home/mother tongue as instructional medium at early stages.
Advantages:
- Access & Inclusion: Helps children learn in languages they understand; boosts parental involvement.
- Learning Outcomes: Enhances cognitive development and academic performance.
- Cultural Preservation: Protects linguistic diversity and indigenous knowledge.
- National Integration: Fosters communication across regions, unity in diversity.
- Socioeconomic Benefits: Multilingualism linked to economic growth and social harmony.

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