Relevance : GS Paper II
Theme of the Article
Compulsory learning should be limited to the child’s mother tongue.
Why has this issue cropped up?
The Centre has moved quickly to defuse a potentially volatile controversy over the charge of Hindi imposition.
What did draft NEP say?
Students in Grade 6 in non-Hindi-speaking States would study their regional language, besides Hindi and English.
The Corrective Steps
- The reference in the draft NEP to mandatory teaching of Hindi in all States was withdrawn.
- The modified draft has omitted references to the language that students may choose.
The Historical Language Issue
- There has been considerable tension between those who favour the indefinite usage of English and those who want to phase it out and give Hindi primacy.
- In Tamil Nadu, it is seen as a creeping imposition of Hindi in subtle and not-so-subtle forms.
Way forward
Language is primarily a utilitarian tool. Compulsory learning should be limited to one’s mother tongue and English.
Conclusion
It is time attempts to force Indians proficient in their mother tongue and English to acquire proficiency in a third are given up.
