Centre's Statement On Three-Language Formula In Parliament
The Indian government has reiterated its stance on the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, clarifying that no language, including Hindi, will be imposed on any state. Responding to concerns raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding Tamil Nadu’s ongoing opposition to the policy, Minister of State for Education, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, assured that linguistic preferences of non-Hindi-speaking states would be respected.
The issue was brought to the fore by Dr John Brittas, who questioned whether the government was aware of the concerns and protests in Tamil Nadu over the alleged imposition of Hindi through NEP. He further sought assurance that no coercive measures would be taken against non-Hindi-speaking states in implementing the language policy.
In response, the minister emphasised that the three-language formula in NEP 2020 allows flexibility and choice for states, regions, and students. He reiterated that while multilingualism is promoted to foster national unity, students would have the liberty to select their languages of study, provided that at least two of the three languages chosen are of Indian origin. He also clarified that students could change one or more of the three languages in Grade 6 or 7, as long as they demonstrate proficiency in three languages by the end of secondary school.
Tamil Nadu has long opposed the three-language formula, adhering instead to a two-language policy that prioritises Tamil and English. The state has resisted the introduction of Hindi as a mandatory subject, fearing it could lead to linguistic imposition and cultural dilution. This resistance has been a recurring issue in Tamil Nadu’s educational policies, prompting continued discussions at the national level.
Dr Majumdar highlighted that NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on early language acquisition, particularly in the mother tongue. He cited research indicating that children between the ages of two and eight pick up languages rapidly, and that multilingualism enhances cognitive development. As a result, the policy promotes learning in the mother tongue from the foundational stage, while simultaneously allowing exposure to multiple languages through an interactive and engaging approach.
Additionally, the minister noted that the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 underscores the importance of multilingualism in cognitive and socio-emotional development. He pointed to provisions within NEP that aim to ensure high-quality textbooks in students’ home languages, alongside a bilingual teaching approach to facilitate learning in multiple languages.
To support these objectives, the government said it is working towards integrating multilingual education across school and higher education levels.
The Centre’s assurance comes amid growing concerns in Tamil Nadu and other non-Hindi-speaking states regarding the potential imposition of Hindi in educational institutions. While the NEP’s three-language policy claims to foster linguistic diversity, the government’s statement reiterates that states will retain the right to determine their linguistic framework in line with their historical and cultural preferences.
