Conflict between Tamil Nadu and Centre over 3-language formula of new education policy.

Why in the NEWS?

• The Centre has withheld funds for the Samagra Shiksha scheme in Tamil Nadu due to the state’s refusal to implement the New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.

Key Points:

• The anti-Hindi movement in Tamil Nadu has a history of almost a century.
• The state has always been against the imposition of Hindi as a compulsory language as it is seen as a threat to regional linguistic identity and cultural heritage.
• The movement in Tamil Nadu is linked to linguistic freedom and the protection of local identity.
• When an attempt was made to make Hindi compulsory in the Madras province in 1937, there was a major protest in Tamil Nadu.
• This has led to several major movements, such as the anti-universal Tamil movement.

What will you read next in this topic?

• Two-language formula:
• Three-language formula and controversy under NEP
• Historical context: Tamil Nadu's opposition to Hindi
• Debate on Language in Education: Beginnings and Evolution
• Radhakrishnan Commission and the Three-Language Formula Proposed
• Three-language formula in National Education Policy of 1986 and 2020
• Changing stance of the Centre and pressure on states
• New Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Two-language formula:

• Tamil Nadu generally follows a two-language formula, in which students are taught Tamil and English. Hindi is not made compulsory.
• Like other states in South India, Tamil Nadu has opposed making Hindi compulsory in its education system, as it does not match with the local culture and linguistic identity of the state.

Three-language formula and controversy under NEP

• The main reason for the controversy is the three-language formula, which is part of the new education policy.
• The central government says that this policy is necessary to provide more employment opportunities to the youth and promote national integration.
• Tamil Nadu has seen this as an attempt to impose Hindi, which is against the historical and cultural identity of the state.
• Tamil Nadu has long followed the 'two-language formula', in which only Tamil and English are taught.
• There have been many movements in Tamil Nadu to protest against attempts to make Hindi compulsory.

Historical context: Tamil Nadu's opposition to Hindi

• Tamil Nadu has a history of almost a century-old anti-Hindi movements.
• Since 1937, when the proposal to make Hindi a federal language came up, it has been opposed in Tamil Nadu.
• The political and social situation of the state gave it special importance.
• Unlike most other southern states, Tamil Nadu has always followed the two-language formula, in which only Tamil and English are taught to the students.

Debate on Language in Education: Beginnings and Evolution

• Ever since independence, there has been a debate on the question of education policy and language.
• In 1948-49, the University Education Commission, headed by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, studied it in detail.
• In its report, the Commission found the issue to be highly controversial and emotionally charged.
• The Commission recommended Hindi (Hindustani) to be made the federal language of India, while the states would use their regional languages.

Radhakrishnan Commission and the Three-Language Formula Proposed

• The Radhakrishnan Commission recommended the three-language formula, which was to promote equality and national integration among the different regions of India.
• The Commission believed that every Indian should acquire proficiency in Hindi and English, in addition to his regional language.
• According to this proposal, every student should learn three languages ​​out of his regional language, Hindi and English.
• This formula was reiterated by the Kothari Commission of 1964-66 and formally incorporated in the National Education Policy of 1968.

Three-language formula in National Education Policy of 1986 and 2020

• The Rajiv Gandhi government in 1986 also adopted this policy, albeit with some relaxation.
• The New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 retained the three-language formula but provided flexibility.
• The 2020 NEP no longer specifically mentions that Hindi has to be taught compulsorily. Instead it states that states can choose any two Indian languages ​​of their choice and English.
• This means that states like Tamil Nadu, which oppose Hindi, can now choose two Indian languages ​​without including Hindi in their language policy.

Changing stance of the Centre and pressure on states

• Earlier, the central government had always maintained that education is in the concurrent list of the Constitution and it is the responsibility of the states to implement the three-language formula.
• In 2004, Congress Union Minister Arjun Singh had said that it is the responsibility of the state governments to implement the three-language formula and the Centre's role is only advisory.
• In 2014, Smriti Irani also reiterated the same and said that it is the responsibility of the states to determine their curriculum and syllabus.
• However, now the Centre has increased the pressure to implement its policy. In 2024, the central government has linked the Samagra Shiksha Nidhi to the implementation of the NEP, which means that if states do not implement the NEP, funds will not be released to them.
• This is being seen as a way to put pressure on state governments.

New Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• It came as a major change in the education system of India.
• This policy was created with the aim of improving and expanding the field of education.
• NEP 2020 was prepared with a comprehensive approach, in which an attempt has been made to strengthen the objectives and practices of education by taking into account various aspects of education.

Objectives of NEP 2020

• Inclusive and equitable education: This policy emphasizes on giving equal opportunities to all students, regardless of their socio-economic status, caste, gender, or geographical location.
• Education reform in rural and backward areas: Plans have been made to improve the quality of education especially in rural and poor areas.
• Respect for national unity and diversity: The policy has been prepared keeping in mind the linguistic, cultural and social diversity of India.

Key reforms

• Reforms in early education: The 5+3+3+4 model (which includes three years of pre-school education for children aged 3-8 years) has been introduced to provide more play, experience-based, and creative education to children.
• Foundational classes: Now, classes 1-2 have been redefined as 'foundational classes' so that children can develop interest in technology, mathematics, and literature.
• Meaningful education: Education will not be limited to just traditional knowledge acquisition but will be integrated with practical, creative, and social work.

Language policy and three-language formula

• Three-language formula: The three-language formula has been kept as an important element in NEP 2020. According to this, students are advised to learn three languages ​​​​out of their mother tongue, another Indian language, and English.
• More flexibility: However, now the NEP has given states the freedom to decide their own language policy, so that any state can give priority to its preferred languages.
• Hindi option: Hindi is not mandatory in this policy, which means that states can give preference to their local languages, such as Tamil and English can be given preference in Tamil Nadu.

Changes in technical education

• Digital and online education: Digital education has been promoted. Especially, after the COVID-19 pandemic, online education has expanded. Now students will be educated through digital platforms.
• Professional courses and job training: The number of professional courses will be increased and skill development programs will be included to increase employment opportunities at the national level.

Role and training of teachers

• Teacher training: NEP also emphasizes on improving the quality of teachers. Under this, a dedicated classroom system will be created by increasing the duration of teacher training.
• Teacher development: Both online and offline facilities will be provided for continuous teacher training, professional development.

Constitutional and institutional reforms

• National Education Commission: A strong monitoring system has been created in the NEP to implement the education policy. Now it has been recommended to form a 'National Education Commission' in every state and union territory.
• Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): This will allow the student to make his education flexible and convert the curriculum into academic credits.

Changes in assessment and examination system

• Improvement in assessment: Now the examination system will not be only rote based, but more functional assessment will be done under it.
• Holistic and continuous assessment: The progress of students will be assessed on the basis of holistic and continuous assessment, so that the performance of the student will not be evaluated only on the basis of the final examination.

Equity and inclusion in education

• Social and geographical equality: Equal opportunities have been ensured for children of all sections in the NEP. Especially, tribal, children with disabilities and other weaker sections will be provided equal opportunities in education.
• Women empowerment: Women will be provided equal opportunities and support in the field of education, so that they can participate equally in social, cultural and professional fields.

Role of Central and State Government

• Under the NEP, state governments are given the freedom to formulate their education policies based on the guidelines of the Centre. However, the central government essentially encourages states to implement their own policies and at times ties it with funds.

Promoting creativity and innovation

• Promoting innovation: The NEP emphasizes on promoting creativity, thinking ability and innovation. This will motivate students to develop problem-solving abilities.