The Three-Language Formula and Its Challenges

Source: The post The Three-Language Formula and Its Challenges has been created, based on the article “Yogendra Yadav writes: Focus on multilingualism, not Hindi” published in “Indian Express” on 25th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Polity

Context: The article discusses India’s three-language formula (TLF) and its political debate. It criticizes the dominance of English in education. It highlights Tamil Nadu’s resistance to TLF and suggests fair implementation across all states. It also questions Hindi states’ lack of reciprocity.

For detailed information on Hindi as a Common Language read this article here

What is the Three-Language Formula (TLF)?

1. The TLF requires schoolchildren to learn three languages.
2. In Hindi-speaking states, students learn Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a South Indian language). In non-Hindi-speaking states, they learn their regional language, Hindi, and English.
3. The formula was first proposed by the Radhakrishnan Commission (1948–49) and later accepted by the Kothari Commission.
4. It was included in the education policies of the 1960s and 1980s.

Why is the Three-Language Formula Important?

1. India is a multilingual country where many people speak more than one language.
2. Multilingual education improves cognitive flexibility, creativity, and social tolerance.
3. Experts, including D.P. Pattanayak and Ramakant Agnihotri, have supported TLF.
4. The National Curriculum Framework (2005) states that learning multiple languages helps in the overall development of children.

Why is Tamil Nadu Opposed to TLF?

1. Tamil Nadu follows a two-language system (Tamil and English). The state believes the TLF is an attempt to impose Hindi.
2. The Union government has withheld funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme due to Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement TLF. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin opposes this decision, saying it violates federal principles.
3. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan argues that Tamil Nadu must follow the Constitution, but Stalin has challenged him to show the legal basis for this requirement.

Has the Central Government Changed TLF Under NEP 2020?

1. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues the TLF but removes the mention of Hindi.
2. It allows states to choose any three languages, provided two are Indian languages.
3. Tamil Nadu could teach Tamil, English, and another South Indian language, or Tamil, classical Tamil, and English.
4. The policy gives states more flexibility but does not force Hindi.

Why is There Political Resentment Against TLF?

1. TLF has not been applied equally across India. Tamil Nadu argues that Hindi-speaking states have avoided learning South Indian languages.
2. Originally, Hindi states were supposed to teach Tamil, Telugu, or other regional languages. Instead, they introduced Sanskrit as the third language.
3. This shortcut allowed them to avoid learning another language, making TLF an unfair deal for non-Hindi states.

What Can Be Done to Solve the Issue?

1. The central government should not use funds to pressure states. Instead, it should hold a meeting with chief ministers to create a fair language policy, as was done in 1968.
2. Hindi-speaking states should not use Sanskrit as a substitute for learning other Indian languages. This approach can help shift the debate from political conflict to the importance of multilingual education.

Why is the English Language a Bigger Issue?

1. Dominance of English: India is gradually adopting an “English-only” education system, sidelining Indian languages.
2. Ignoring Expert Advice: Experts like D.P. Pattanayak support multilingual education, which improves cognitive skills and social tolerance.
3. Education Policy Shift: While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes Indian languages, English still dominates schools and higher education.
4. Political Focus Elsewhere: The debate over Hindi and regional languages diverts attention from English’s growing influence.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges and controversies surrounding the implementation of the Three-Language Formula (TLF) in India.