Context:
The Centre has made implementation of the three-language formula by Tamil Nadu as a condition for release of Samagra Shiksha funds to the state.
More on the News
- The Centre has withheld Rs 2,150 crore funds to Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha scheme over its refusal to adopt the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
- Tamil Nadu, since the 1960s, has consistently upheld its two-language policy of Tamil and English, resisting impositions of Hindi as a third language.
About the Three-Language Formula (TLF)
The TLF aims at promoting multilingualism and national unity by requiring schools to reach three languages.
The Formula provided classification of languages for their teaching programme.
According to the Formula:
- Hindi-speaking states: Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a South Indian language).
- Non-Hindi-speaking states: Hindi, English, and the regional language.
The TLF was initially introduced by the National Policy on Education (1968), which was based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission (1966).
TLF in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020
- Flexibility: Retains the TLF, but allows states to choose the three languages, provided that at least two of them are native to India. Hindi is not made mandatory.
- Promotion of Sanskrit: It emphasised Sanskrit as an optional choice for one of the three languages.
- Bilingual Teaching: it emphasised teaching in the home language/mother tongue and English
- Foundational Learning: While the earlier education policies advocated introducing different languages in Secondary stages, NEP 2020 prescribes the exposure to them from the foundational stages.
Current Status of Hindi among other languages:
- The 2011 linguistic census accounts for 121 mother tongues, including 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
- Hindi is the most widely spoken, with 52.8 crore individuals, or 43.6% of the population, declaring it as their mother tongue. The next highest is Bengali, mother tongue for 9.7 crores (8%).
- Nearly 13.9 crore (over 11%) reported Hindi as their second language, which makes it either the mother tongue or second language for nearly 55% of the population.
Debate on TLF:
| In Favor | Against |
| Promotes national integration through a link language | Criticised as a majoritarian means to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states |
| Promotes regional languages | In practice, leads to neglect of regional languages other than Hindi |
| Makes education accessible to the masses | Disadvantages non-Hindi speakers |
| Studies show education in vernacular improves learning outcomes | Lack of regional language teachers, particularly in Central schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas |
| Constitutionally valid as Education is in Concurrent List | Against Federalism as it undermines states’ right to shape their education policies |
Way Forward:
- Constructive Dialogue: Effective implementation of the TLF requires active consultation and cooperation between Centre and States through forums like the Inter-State Councils and Chief Ministers’ Conferences.
- Fund Disbursal: Disagreements over the TLF should not be allowed to derail funding for comprehensive education programs as it can adversely impact school management, development of infrastructure and facilities, and ultimately learning outcomes.
- Action Plan for Regional Languages: Regional languages should be linked to future opportunities for their promotion to be effective. As a first step, the government can promote their use in government institutions and courts.