Three-Language Formula

News: The controversy over the three-language policy has resurfaced due to the ongoing conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government regarding its implementation under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

About Three-Language Formula

• The three-language formula was first introduced in the National Education Policy (NEP), 1968 and was later retained with modifications in the NEP 2020.
• The policy aims to promote multilingualism and national integration among students across India.
• The main objective of the three-language formula is to ensure that students learn multiple languages, which helps in enhancing communication skills and understanding different cultures.
• The policy mandates that students should study at least two Indian languages along with English.
• The three-language formula requires students to study three languages during their school education.
• At least two of these languages must be Indian languages, while the third language can be English or another language chosen by the student, the region, or the State.
• Unlike previous versions of the policy, the NEP 2020 does not impose any particular language on students or States.
• It allows States, regions, and students to have the flexibility to choose the languages they wish to learn, provided that at least two of the three languages are of Indian origin.
• Challenges: The three-language formula has faced opposition from non-Hindi-speaking States, especially Tamil Nadu, which has followed a two-language policy (Tamil and English) in its government schools for decades.
  • Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified teachers to teach certain regional languages, which makes implementation difficult.
  • Also, many government schools face resource constraints, making it challenging to introduce an additional language course.