Controversy Over the Three-Language Policy in India

Controversy Over the Three-Language Policy in India

The ongoing debate around India’s three-language policy, particularly in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 , and the resistance from states like Tamil Nadu.  Three-Language Policy Controversy The three-language formula, first introduced in 1968, mandates teaching three languages in schools:  - Mother tongue or regional language - Hindi (in non-Hindi states)  - English or a modern Indian language (in Hindi-speaking states).  The policy has faced criticism, especially from non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu, which argue it imposes Hindi and undermines regional languages. Tamil Nadu has historically rejected the three-language system, sticking to a two-language formula (Tamil and English) since the 1960s. Provisions Under NEP 2020 The NEP 2020 retains the three-language formula but with greater flexibility :  - States can choose the languages to be taught, with no mandatory imposition of Hindi.  - Emphasis on promoting Indian languages, classical languages (e.g., Sa…