Hindi ‘imposition’ : Apart from preserving unique character of respective states through state-specific policies, political parties also have objections to Hindi as the third language. From arguments like “cultural imposition”, “undermining India’s unity”, “threat to regional languages” and “going against educational principles of mother-tongue instruction”, there are many objections to NEP’s three-language policy, n which Hindi is the third language, English and regional language being the other two
The Karnataka State Education Policy Commission, headed by economist and former UGC Chairman Prof Sukhadeo Thorat, on Friday submitted a report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, recommending several reforms in school and higher education in mind Karnataka’s socio-cultural, linguistic and economic realities, according to reports
Moving away from the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Karnataka plan is to localise curriculum by developing a Comprehensive Curriculum for School Education (CCSE), It includes many proposals like replacing the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 model with a 2+8+4 framework. Significantly it also introduces a two-language education policy where Kannada or the mother tongue is taught alongside English, reflective of Siddaramaiah’s objection to three-language policy which he calls “Hindi imposition”.
Notably, on Thursday Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also released the State Education Policy (SEP), asserting that it was designed to reflect the “unique character” of the state and reiterating his government’s firm opposition to the Centre’s NEP.
Stalin said that the state will strictly adhere to its long-standing two-language policy. “Through this education policy, we don’t want students just to mug up, but think and get educated. Physical education will be taught along with studies. Importantly, I want to say firmly that we will follow a two-language policy and it is our firm policy,” Stalin was quoted as saying.
Maharashtra recently saw MNS supremo Raj Thackeray and estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) reuniting after 20 years at a public rally for an event called ‘Awaj Marathicha’—the Voice of the Marathi.
The event was organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS to mark the withdrawal of government resolutions related to the three-language policy in primary schools.
The BJP-led state government’s attempt to make Hindi compulsory from Class I sparked protests. The policy was ultimately rescinded, with a committee now reviewing the matter
Arguments against Hindi
From arguments like “cultural imposition”, “undermining India’s unity”, “threat to regional languages” and “going against educational principles of mother-tongue instruction”, there are many objections to NEP’s three-language policy in which Hindi is the third language, English and regional language being the other two
Language is a strong marker of identity and any perceived threat can trigger strong emotional responses, thereby making it a great political tool. Stalin has always been a critic of the NEP 2020, especially the section that recommends that students learn three languages, calling it imposition of Hindi
In fact, resistance in Tamil Nadu was first recorded around the 1937–1940 agitation, when attempts were made to introduce Hindi in schools. Leaders like Periyar, and now Stalin, opposed such moves, calling them “divisive and undermining India’s unity”
West Bengal has also witnessed protests against policies aiming to mandate a specific quota of communication in Hindi. In Northeast, states like Manipur, Mizoram have recorded protests from local groups and student leaders against inclusion of Hindi in education, arguing it “threatens” regional languages and “goes against basic principles of education in mother-tongue instruction”.
