Three-language Formula

Why in news?

Tamil Nadu has rejected the three-language formula advocated in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

What does this rejection reiterate?

• By rejecting, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has only reiterated the State’s unwavering position on an emotive and political issue.
• Tamil Nadu has a two-language policy that remains non-negotiable for almost the entire political class.
• This policy was implemented decades ago after a historic agitation against the imposition of Hindi.

Did the policy talk about any imposition?

• The policy said that no language will be imposed on any State.
• But, it has expectedly cut no ice with parties in Tamil Nadu, which have risen in near unison to oppose the proposal.
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister appealed to the Prime Minister to allow States to follow their own language policy.
• In a State that resisted multiple attempts to impose Hindi since 1937, political parties are wary of any mandate to impart an additional language in schools.
• They fear this would eventually pave the way for Hindi to enter the State through the back door.
• Since 1985, the State has even refused to allow Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas to be set up as they teach Hindi.

What is the effectiveness of the two-language policy?

• The two-language policy of Tamil and English was piloted by former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai in 1968.
• It has thus far worked well in the State.
• In a liberalised world, more windows to the world are being opened up for those proficient in English, a global link language.
• The State’s significant human resources contribution to the IT sector is attributed to its recruits‘ English fluency as much as to their technical knowledge.
• There is an argument that Tamil Nadu is depriving students of an opportunity to learn Hindi, touted as a national link language.

What is the reality?

• The State’s voluntary learning has never been restricted.
• The growth over the past decade in the number of CBSE schools, where the language is taught, would bear testimony to this.
• The patronage for the 102-year-old Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, based in Chennai, also proves this.
• In the Sabha’s centenary year, Tamil Nadu accounted for 73% of active Hindi pracharaks (teachers) in South India.
• Out of necessity, many in the State have picked up conversational Hindi to engage with the migrant population.
• Only compulsion is met with resistance.
• India’s federal nature and diversity demand that no regional language is given supremacy over another.

Source: The Hindu