Language Policy in India (NEP 2020 & Hindi Imposition)
🔍 Background
* NEP 2020 (National Education Policy) introduced a Three-Language Formula:
* Students must learn 3 languages:
1. Mother tongue/regional language
2. Another Indian language
3. One foreign language (usually English)
* It gives freedom to states to choose which languages to offer.
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### ⚠️ Issue Highlighted
* In practice, the policy can lead to Hindi dominance.
* Maharashtra tried to make Hindi compulsory till Class 5, sparking protests.
* Opposition parties called it “Hindi imposition” and pressured the govt to roll back the decision.
* Now, a committee will re-examine the policy in the state.
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### 🎯 Key Concerns
1. Unity vs Uniformity:
* Promoting one language (Hindi) may divide, not unite, the country.
* India is linguistically diverse, and forcing one language can create resentment.
2. Regional Identity:
* Language is closely tied to culture and pride.
* Imposing Hindi may be seen as a threat to regional languages like Marathi, Tamil, etc.
3. Unequal Implementation:
* The NEP says any language can be taught if 20 students ask for it.
* But in practice, no one in Bihar learns Tamil, and vice versa.
* So, Hindi often becomes the default, especially where regional languages are weaker.
4. Power and Politics:
* Hindi is associated with central political power (especially the BJP).
* Political use of language can deepen regional divides.
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### 💡 Suggestions / Way Forward
* Policy should respect diversity, not promote dominance.
* Let states choose languages based on local needs and culture.
* Promote multilingualism and mutual respect between languages.
* Ensure equal access to learn non-Hindi regional languages.
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