Source: The Hindu
According to NEP 2020, students in both public and private schools should receive education in their mother tongue, home language, local language, or regional language wherever feasible until at least Grade 5, but ideally until Grade 8 and beyond.
As the most recent nationwide survey on the medium of instruction and languages taught, the 8th All India School Education Survey, conducted by the NCERT, notes that although the majority of schools use their mother tongue as the medium of instruction, this percentage has been declining over time: 86.62% of schools teach in the mother tongue at the primary level, compared to 92.07% in the 7th survey; 87.56% of rural schools and 80.99% of urban schools use their mother tongue as the medium of instruction, compared to 92.39% in rural and 90.39% in urban areas in the 7th survey.
According to NEP 2020, the three-language system is more flexible and no state will be forced to use a certain language. However, it does support certain languages. A whole part of the policy statement is devoted to praising Sanskrit and advocating for its inclusion in the three-language formula. The policy paper further states that classical languages, such as Pali, Persian, and Prakrit, as well as classical Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, should be offered as choices.
High-quality textbooks, especially those in science, will be made available in-home languages and the mother tongue to encourage study in the mother tongue. In 2024, the NCERT published a series of digital publications in 104 regional languages and dialects to increase access to these educational resources.
Foreign languages like Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian will also be taught at the secondary level, according to NEP 2020.
Model Question:
“Critically analyze the key provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and discuss its potential impact on India’s education system. What challenges might hinder its effective implementation?” (250 words)
Model Answer:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform India’s education system by emphasizing access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. It replaces the 1986 NEP and aligns with global education standards while promoting multidisciplinary learning and holistic development.
Key Provisions of NEP 2020
- School Education Reforms:
- 5+3+3+4 structure replacing the 10+2 system, aligning with cognitive development stages.
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) under NIPUN Bharat Mission.
- Vocational training from Grade 6.
- Mother tongue/regional language as a medium of instruction till Grade 5.
- Higher Education Reforms:
- Multidisciplinary institutions with flexible degree options (exit at 1, 2, or 3 years).
- Establishment of Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as a single regulator.
- National Research Foundation (NRF) to boost innovation.
- Focus on Online & Digital Learning (Diksha, SWAYAM, etc.).
- Governance and Implementation:
- Autonomy to institutions, phasing out affiliation system.
- Increased public spending on education to 6% of GDP.
- Promotion of internationalization in education.
Potential Impact
- Improved learning outcomes through conceptual learning.
- Reduced dropout rates with flexible curriculum and multiple exits.
- Global competitiveness via skill-based education.
- Enhanced research and innovation.
Challenges in Implementation
- Lack of infrastructure and teacher training, especially in rural areas.
- Financial constraints in increasing education expenditure.
- Resistance to regional language-based instruction in urban areas.
- Regulatory challenges in integrating multidisciplinary education.
While NEP 2020 is a progressive step, its success hinges on effective execution, political will, and stakeholder participation. A phased approach with strong monitoring mechanisms is essential for long-term success.
