No language will be imposed on any state under NEP's 3-language formula: MoS in Rajya Sabha

The three-language formula recommended by the NEP has been at the centre of controversy with Tamil Nadu refusing to implement it alleging imposition of Hindi by the Centre.

New Delhi: Explaining its position on the three-language formula as prescribed in the National Education Policy, the Union government has clarified that no language will be imposed on any state.

In a written answer tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said the choice of the three languages would rest entirely with the states and students, provided at least two of the three languages were native to India.

The minister was replying to a question by CPM Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas.

The clarification comes amid a confrontation between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over implementing the NEP.

TN has decided to continue with the two-language policy, accusing the Modi government of imposition of Hindi by pushing the three-language formula. Chief Minister MK Stalin has alleged that more than Rs 2,000 crore of central funds meant for the state under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan have been held back by the Union government over the state’s refusal to implement the NEP in its current form.

However, the Centre has insisted that the prescription of the three-language policy under NEP-2020 is based on sound research that shows children pick up languages extremely quickly.

“Children will be exposed to different languages policy early on (but with a particular emphasis on mother tongue), starting from the Foundational Stage onwards,” Minister Majumdar said quoting from the NEP.