The three-language policy of Maharashtra in first five classes has been abolished due to the rampant criticisms of political parties, activists and academicians. A committee implemented by the state decided on whether and where the policy ought to be reintroduced. It is a welcomed verdict to opponents of Hindi imposition. Nevertheless, the issue concerning the role and further implementation of the panel still exists. The decision leads to regional sensitivities concerning language in the education policy.

Context

  • After continuous protest, Maharashtra has now scratched the three-language policy in primary school level education and has set up a committee to re-examine its future applicability, grade level at which this can apply.

Key Highlights

What is the Three-Language Policy?

  • NEP 1968: Enforcement Hindi, English and third language (South Indian in the Hindi states and vice versa).
  • NEP 2020: Maintains the formula with some flexibility two local languages of Indian origin and one of the regional ones or Sanskrit.
  • Encourages both-languages teaching and emphasis on home language/mother tongue and English.
  • Stresses out Sanskrit as a third language.

Significance of the Formula

  • Multilingual Development: Enhances communication and thinking ability.
  • National Integration: Promotes inter regional unity.
  • Rapid Talking: Speaks in favour of employment in India.
  • Empowerment of Regional Languages: This assists in the maintenance of local languages.

 

Issues with Implementation

  • Hindi Imposition: Non Hindi states do not support compulsory teaching of Hindi.
  • Teacher Shortage: Unavailability of adequate teachers in various languages.
  • Student Pressure: Student pressure involves burdening on students, mostly language weak students.
  • Global Competitiveness: The critics demand the inclusion of global languages as an alternative.

Schemes related to Third language Policy 

Scheme Name

Description

Year of Start

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

WEF inclusive quality education from pre-school to class XII, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and supporting NEP 2020, including language education.

2018

PM SHRI Scheme

WEF transforms government schools into model schools, ensuring quality education and implementing the third language policy.

2022

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

WEF promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting language learning through educational reforms.

2016

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

WEF framework for three-language formula, focusing on multilingual education to enhance linguistic proficiency across Indian languages.

2020

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)

WEF improves secondary education quality in India with an emphasis on language education.

2009

Sanskrit Promotion Scheme

WEF promotes Sanskrit education, a key part of the third language policy.

2009

National Translation Mission

WEF encourages translation of regional languages to improve multilingualism and accessibility in education.

2008

Language Development Program

WEF promotes regional and indigenous languages, supporting the third language policy.

2006

 

Way Ahead

  • Constructive Centre-State Dialogue: To guarantee inclusiveness and tolerance of linguistic diversity.
  • Considerate Implementation: Factor in work load, time of teachers , and regional preferences.
  • Preserve Samagra Shiksha Momentum: Policy changes shouldn't derail broader educational reforms.

Conclusion

Even though the three-language formula is conceptually established in enhancing multilingualism and the cohesion of national unity, the practical implementation of this formula would require a certain correspondence with regional realities. The action of Maharashtra points to the difficulty of a blanket language policy in a multilingual nation. Flexibility, consensus and inclusion of development is what ought to be implemented in the future where quality of education and cultural sensitivity will be maintained simultaneously.

 

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