The Union Government has withheld ₹2,152 crore in Samagra Shiksha funds from Tamil Nadu due to its refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Tamil Nadu is willing to participate in the PM SHRI scheme but rejects the three-language formula, maintaining its longstanding two-language policy.
Three-Language Formula
The draft National Education Policy (NEP), 2019, prepared by a committee headed by scientist Dr. Kasturirangan, has recommended the Three-Language Formula to be implemented from the primary level.
Three-Language Formula Structure
- First Language: The mother tongue or regional language.
- Second Language:
- In Hindi-speaking states: Other modern Indian language or English.
- In non-Hindi-speaking states: Hindi or English.
- Third Language:
- In Hindi-speaking states: English or a modern Indian language.
- In non-Hindi-speaking states: English or a modern Indian language.
Need for the Three-Language Formula
- Cognitive Development: Learning multiple languages aids a child’s cognitive skills and intellectual growth.
- Promotes Multilingualism: Encourages students to learn more than one language, improving communication and adaptability.
- National Harmony: Fosters linguistic inclusivity and cultural unity across different regions of India.
This formula aims to create a balanced approach in language education while ensuring national integration and educational progress.
Three-Language Formula in NEP 2020
NEP 2020 retains the three-language formula, originally introduced in the NEP 1968. However, unlike earlier policies mandating Hindi across India, the new policy provides flexibility without imposing any specific language on States.
Emphasis on Bilingual Education: NEP 2020 promotes bilingual teaching, encouraging instruction in the home language/mother tongue along with English.
Role of Sanskrit: Sanskrit is highlighted as an optional language within the three-language framework, given special emphasis.
Constitutional Provisions on Language
- Hindi is the official language of the Union; English was to be used for 15 years post-1950 but continues due to the Official Languages Act, 1963.
- States can adopt Hindi or any regional language as their official language.
- The Union is tasked with promoting Hindi as a medium of national expression.
Centre-Tamil Nadu Tussle Over Three-Language Formula
- Tamil Nadu opposes the three-language policy in NEP 2020, favouring its two-language system.
- The Union government links compliance with the release of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds.
- Tamil Nadu sees this as an attempt to impose Hindi and refuses to change its policy.
Perceived Imposition of Hindi
- Tamil Nadu political parties and activists see the three-language policy as an attempt to impose Hindi.
- Resource constraints: Lack of trained teachers for an additional language may lead to Hindi becoming the default third language.
Issues in Education
- ASER 2022: 60% of Class V students cannot read a Class II text.
- ASER 2023: 25% of youth (14-18 years) cannot read a Class II text fluently in their regional language.
- Over 40% of this age group struggles with English sentences.
- Foundational numeracy skills (subtraction, division) remain weak.
- Government spending on education is around 4-4.5% of GDP, below NEP’s 6% target.
The Way Forward
- A constructive dialogue between the Centre and Tamil Nadu is essential.
- Education, moved to the Concurrent List during the Emergency, requires cooperative policymaking.
- Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy has shown strong enrolment and dropout rate improvements.
- Disagreements over the three-language policy should not obstruct crucial education funding like Samagra Shiksha.
