National Education Policy 1986 has envisaged three languages formula and stipulated and provided for the three language formula but made Hindi language as a compulsory subject. But NEP 2020 more or less is similar to NEP 1986, but with one glaring modification that Hindi was no longer stipulated as a compulsory language to be taught in all states and UT’s. Thus three language formula as provided by the NEP2020 is a major departure from the earlier education policy mainly because new education policy 2020 did not made Hindi language compulsory and thus the NEP 2020 is really a catalyst for ensuring linguistic diversity and thus all languages are fine and need to be taught for ensuring linguistic diversity. Hindi is our official language and majority of the people in India speak and know Hindi and it being the language associated with the history of country’s freedom struggle should be given the status of national language which this language deserves. But then Hindi should not be thrust and imposed on non Hindi speaking people and states. All languages are rich and divine and should be respected and there should be no conflict and row on the issue of languages. It is good to teach local/regional languages along with official language Hindi. The NEP 2020’s three-language formula encourages students to learn three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages, including one regional language, and the third being English or another modern Indian language, promoting multilingualism and national unity with flexibility in language selection.
NEP 2020 retains the three-language formula, originally introduced in the 1986 NEP, but with greater flexibility, allowing states, regions, and students to choose the languages the languages they learn, as long as at least two are native to India. NEP 2020 has the following characteristics:-
A. Flexibility - States and students have the freedom to choose the three languages they learn ,promoting multilingualism and respecting cultural and regional diversity.
B. No Imposition - No specific language is mandated for any state, ensuring that states can tailor their language education to their specific needs and contexts.
C. Emphasis on Mother Tongue - The policy encourages the use of the mother tongue/local language as the medium of instruction, at least until Grade 5,and preferably until Grade 8.
D. Promoting Multilingualism - The three language formula aims to promote multilingualism, linguistic diversity, enabling students to communicate effectively across the country and in globalized world.
E. National Unity - By promoting the learning of multiple languages, the policy aims to foster national unity and understanding. It is pertinent to mention that the three –language formula was first proposed by the Kothari Commission (1964-65) and was later adopted in the National Education Policy 1986. The NEP 1986 mandated Hindi, English, and a regional language, but NEP 2020 offers greater flexibility in language selection. The following benefits accrue from the New Education policy 2020:-
1. Cognitive Development - Multilingualism can enhance cognitive flexibility, problem solving skills ,and memory.
2. Cultural Awareness - Learning multiple languages can foster cultural awareness and understanding.
3. Global Competitiveness - Students who are multilingual are better prepared for a globalized world. The three - languages formula is one of the vital approaches under NEP 2020 that necessitates all Indian students to learn at least three languages. It states that they will learn two native Indian languages, including one regional language. They will also learn English as the third and essential language. The 1961 meeting of the several chief ministers of the Indian states resulted in a consensus that led to the implementation of the three-language formula. The Three-Language Formula was intended to be a handy starting point for the examination of the country’s developing Knowledge base and emotional integration, rather than a goal or restriction-language formulas are appropriate across India has been reopened by this action. The CM of Tamil Nadu rejected it, and it merely reaffirmed the state’s staunch stance on a sensitive and political matter.
The Three Language Formula states that every student in India should learn three languages, two of which should be native Indian languages, including one regional language and the third should be English. The formula is applicable to both government as well as private schools,and the medium of instruction can be any of the three languages. The national education policy of 1968 introduced the three-language formula, meaning that apart from Hindi and English, there should be a third language which is a part of modern India and must be used for education in Hindi speaking states. The Three Language Formula is as under:-
1. One Indian native language (Hindi)
2. One Regional Language
3. English Language.
The primary aim of the Three language Formula is to promote multilingualism in India and enable students to communicate effectively across the country. It also aims to strengthen national integration by exposing students to different cultures and languages and fostering respect for linguistic diversity.
That a child’s cognitive growth includes acquiring languages, which are significant. Promoting multilingualism and international concord is the main goal. It further helps with:-
a. Bridging the linguistic gap and enabling effective communication across the country.
b. Providing career opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market through proficiency in English.
c. Fostering respect for linguistic and cultural diversity.
d. Promoting the use and learning of regional languages can help preserve them for future generations.
e. Enhancing cognitive development through learning multiple languages. A comprehensive foundation for implementing the Three Language Formula in Indian schools is provided under NEP 2020. The following are the policy’s key points: A. Early Childhood Education.
The policy places a strong emphasis on the value of early childhood education in helping children learn languages.
A. It suggests that kids between the age of 3 to 8 study in their native language or in regional tongue.
B. Flexibility - The policy provides a wide range of language option. The third language can be English or any other language of the students choice, while first two languages must be native Indian languages from the state or region. In non-Hindi speaking states where there have been worries about imposition of Hindi,this clause is anticipated to lessen opposition to formula.
C. Teachers Training - The policy acknowledges the necessity of trained educators in order to successfully apply the Three Language Formula. It suggests that teachers be given multilingualism training and that attempts be made to find teachers fluent in the local languages. Examination System - According to the policy, students should be evaluated on their command of all three languages,including English. Online Resources - To enable students to learn in their native tongues, the policy encourages the creation of online resources and instructional materials in native languages.NEP 2020 Views on The Three Language Formula - The home language, mother tongue ,local language or regional language will whenever possible be the medium of instruction up until at least Grade 5, but preferably up to Grade 8 and beyond. The three language formula will still be used but it will be done so while promoting both national unity and multilingualism. This system will have more freedom, according to NEP and no state will be forced to use a certain language, so long at least two of the three languages are indigenous. Hindi will not be imposed in non-Hindi speaking states. Unfortunately the three language formula proposed in the NEP 2020 is at the centre of the political row and storm between the DMK - led Tamil Nadu government and the central government. Tamil Nadu and Kerala government and political parties should desist from opposing the NEP 2020 as there is no base for opposition as it does not make Hindi language compulsory and there is much flexibility in it as it allows much choice to the students to choose languages for medium of instruction. The NEP 2020 proposes an’ early implementation of the three language formula to promote multilingualism ‘from the school level. The document states that the three language formula will continue to be implemented "while keeping in mind the constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions,and the union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as to promote national unity. Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement key aspects of NEP2020, particularly the three language formula, has resulted in the centre withholding Rs 573 crore in central education assistance under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan SSA. According to policy rules, states must comply with NEP guidelines to receive SSA funding, of which 60% is provided by the centre to states like Tamil Nadu. It is hoped that sanity will prevail on the Tamil Nadu/DMK government there and they shun blind opposition to NEP 2020. In brief, we can say that NEP 2020 is the catalyst for linguistic diversity and opposition to it has no base.
(Vivek Koul)
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