04 Mar Three language formula: Tight Rope Walk for Union Government
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and Topic details Three language formula: Tight Rope Walk for Union Government
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-2- Polity and Governance-Three language formula: Tight Rope Walk for Union Government
FOR PRELIMS
What is Three language formula? Constitutional provision related to language.
FOR MAINS
What is the issue with Three language formula and various recommendations of committees/commissions?
Why in the news?
Tensions are rising between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over the alleged imposition of Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The DMK, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, has strongly opposed the policy, vowing never to accept Hindi imposition. In contrast, the Congress, an ally of the DMK, has taken a measured stance, stating that Hindi should be learned by choice, not forced. Congress whip Manickam Tagore criticized the Centre for threatening to withhold funds unless Tamil Nadu accepts the NEP, calling it an “RSS project.” He reiterated that Congress supports Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy and opposes any language imposition.
What is three language formula?
The Three-Language Formula is an educational policy introduced in the 1968 National Policy on Education (NEP) to promote multilingualism and national integration. It mandates that students in India learn three languages: their regional language (mother tongue), Hindi, and English. NEP 2020 retains this framework but allows states and students flexibility in choosing languages, ensuring at least two are Indian languages.
Evolution of three language formula
| Commission/Policy | Year | Key Recommendations Related to Language in Education | Other Language-Related Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kothari Commission | 1964-66 | Recommended the Three-Language Formula: 1. Regional language/mother tongue 2. Hindi (for non-Hindi states) or a modern Indian language (for Hindi-speaking states) 3. English | Emphasized the role of language in national integration. – Suggested improving language teaching methodologies. |
| National Policy on Education (NPE) | 1968 | Officially introduced the Three-Language Formula. – Stressed the importance of Hindi and English in national and international communication. | Recommended developing regional languages alongside Hindi and English. – Emphasized preserving linguistic diversity. |
| National Policy on Education (NPE) | 1986 | Retained the Three-Language Formula but acknowledged implementation challenges. – Suggested mother-tongue-based primary education. | Encouraged the use of modern Indian languages in education. – Recognized English as an important link language. |
| Ramamurti Committee | 1990 | Recommended improving the quality of language teaching. – Suggested using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction at all levels. | Advocated for linguistic inclusivity in educational institutions. |
| Acharya Ramamurti Review Committee | 1991 | Recommended strengthening the Three-Language Formula. – Stressed better training for language teachers. | Suggested measures to protect linguistic minorities. |
| National Curriculum Framework (NCF) | 2005 | Reaffirmed the importance of multilingualism in education. – Focused on bilingual teaching methods. | Highlighted the need for context-based language learning. |
| National Education Policy (NEP) | 2020 | Retained the Three-Language Formula with flexibility for states. – Ensured that at least two languages must be Indian languages. – Strong emphasis on mother-tongue-based education. | Encouraged Sanskrit as an optional subject. – No language imposition on any state. |
Significance of three language formula
1. Enhances Multilingual Proficiency: Boosts cognitive skills, memory, and communication while fostering cultural understanding.
2. Promotes National Integration: Bridges the north-south divide and strengthens unity through linguistic inclusivity.
3. Expands Career & Mobility Opportunities: Improves job prospects and facilitates education and migration across regions.
4. Preserves Regional Languages: Prevents language decline and safeguards linguistic heritage.
5. Encourages Bilingual Education: Supports mother-tongue learning while enhancing proficiency in other languages.
6. Balances Global & Local Needs: Prepares students for international opportunities while preserving cultural identity.
Concerns related to the three-language formula:
1. Perceived Imposition of Hindi: Non-Hindi-speaking states, especially Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Karnataka, view it as an attempt to impose Hindi.
2. Implementation Challenges: Many schools lack qualified teachers to effectively teach additional languages.
3. Increased Academic Burden: Learning an extra language adds to students’ workload, especially those struggling with language acquisition.
4. Neglect of Foreign Languages: Emphasis on a third Indian language may limit opportunities to learn global languages like French, German, or Mandarin.
5. Regional Resistance: States with strong linguistic identities resist policies perceived as undermining their native language and culture.
6. Resource Constraints: State governments often lack funds and infrastructure to implement multilingual education effectively.
Recommendation to address the concern regarding three language formula:
1. Flexible Language Choice: Allow states and students greater autonomy in selecting the three languages, ensuring regional preferences are respected.
2. Strengthening Language Education: Invest in teacher training and resources to improve multilingual education across states.
3. Reducing Academic Burden: Implement gradual language learning with innovative and interactive teaching methods to ease student workload.
4. Balancing Global & Regional Needs: Provide students the option to learn foreign languages alongside Indian languages to enhance global opportunities.
5. Constructive Dialogue: Encourage cooperation between the Centre and states to address regional concerns while upholding national integration goals.
6. Adequate Funding & Infrastructure: Ensure financial and institutional support to facilitate effective implementation, especially in resource-limited states.
Conclusion
The Three-Language Formula aims to balance linguistic diversity with national integration, promoting multilingualism without imposing any language. Constructive dialogue and cooperation between the Centre and states are crucial to addressing concerns and ensuring successful implementation. Strengthening language education and providing necessary resources will enhance language learning outcomes while preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 04th Mar 2025
Prelims Questions:
Q. With reference to the Three-Language Formula, consider the following statements:
1. The policy was first introduced in the 1986 National Policy on Education.
2. It mandates the compulsory study of Hindi in all states.
3. NEP 2020 allows states flexibility in choosing the languages.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: A
Mains Questions:
Q. Discuss the role of language policies in promoting national integration while preserving linguistic diversity. How can India strike a balance between the two?
(250 words, 15 marks)
No Comments