According to recent news, the Supreme Court declined to suspend the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s ruling nullifying the state’s decision to implement English as the medium of instruction for government school students from Classes I to VI starting from 2020-21. The Court highlighted Section 29(2)(f) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 which advocates that teaching should be in a child’s native language as far as possible.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions Concerning Language Usage
The Indian Constitution and legal provisions have set guidelines on the use and preservation of languages. Article 29 safeguards minority rights, including the right to conserve their language, and discards discrimination based on language. Article 120 permits Hindi or English to be used in Parliament, but also allows representatives to express themselves in their mother tongue.
Part XVII of the Indian Constitution, encompassing Articles 343 to 351, addresses official languages. It includes Article 350A and 351 which encourage providing primary education in the mother tongue to linguistic minorities and promote the spread of the Hindi language respectively. The Eighth Schedule lists 22 official languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, among others. The RTE Act, 2009 also insists on imparting education in a child’s mother tongue when feasible.
The Case for English as the Medium of Instruction
Advocates of English medium education articulate several reasons. First, English proficiency can qualify an individual for more job opportunities. Second, knowledge of English is a boon for students preparing for competitive exams. Third, technical and scientific books are primarily available in English, and higher education is often imparted in English. Fourth, English, as a global language, aids in competing on the international stage. Lastly, English proficiency is frequently associated with progress and a modern outlook.
The Argument Against English as the Medium of Instruction
Opponents highlight the benefits of mother tongue instruction. It makes learning familiar and comprehensible, fostering students’ engagement in the process. Furthermore, it allows students to better express themselves and share their experiences, identities, and cultures. The use of English can create a divide between students from different social backgrounds, often suppressing genuine talent due to imposed language barriers.
Government Initiatives to Promote Regional Languages
To promote regional languages, the government has implemented several initiatives. For instance, the New Education Policy emphasizes teaching in the mother tongue or local language until Class 5. Additionally, the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) provides publication grants for University Level Books in regional languages. The National Translation Mission translates university textbooks into all Eighth Schedule languages. The government also runs a scheme for preserving endangered languages, and the UGC promotes regional languages in higher education.
Global Efforts Towards Language Preservation
At a global level, the Yuelu Proclamation by UNESCO, and the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL) as an initiative by the United Nations General Assembly illustrates global efforts towards the protection of linguistic resources and diversity.
Paths Ahead
Countries worldwide have successfully integrated their mother tongues in education and other sectors, without hindering the production of world-class professionals. The government should encourage original scientific writing and publication of books in regional languages. Also, early-age multi-language learning could be actively promoted. While teaching English as a supplementary subject, it is necessary to remember that it’s only one of many skills required for children to experience and participate in the global community.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024