Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha that no language will be imposed on any state under the three-language formula. According to the Ministry, languages learned by the children will be chosen by the states and students themselves, promoting flexibility and autonomy.
The three-language formula recommended by the NEP has been at the centre of controversy with Tamil Nadu refusing to implement it alleging imposition of Hindi by the Centre. The Centre has, however, refuted Tamil Nadu's charge.
In response to a written question in Rajya Sabha, "There will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any state. The NEP 2020 provides that the three-language formula will continue to be implemented while keeping in mind the Constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions and the Union and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity," Majumdar added, reported PTI.
The minister noted that the policy also provides for making available high-quality textbooks in the home language or mother tongue and encouraging teachers to use a bilingual approach while teaching.
"In order to achieve this objective, the government is integrating multilingualism at school and higher education levels by providing reading materials in Indian languages so that students have the choice to study in their mother tongue or local language," he said, reported PTI.
What is three language formula?
The three-language formula is a language learning policy, first introduced in 1968 by the Ministry of Education of the Government of India in consultation with the states. This policy recommends that students learn three languages - their mother tongue or regional language, English, and a modern Indian language.
The new Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes the three-language formula policy, encouraging students to learn at least three languages that suit their regional and cultural needs.