New Delhi: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s Three-Language Policy has once again come under scrutiny, with critics arguing that it imposes linguistic hegemony and disadvantages non-Hindi-speaking states. Tamil Nadu, known for its longstanding opposition to Hindi imposition, has recently rejected the policy, reigniting discussions on language politics in India.
The policy mandates students to learn three languages, including Hindi in most cases, a move that experts argue undermines regional and minority languages. “This policy disregards India’s linguistic diversity and constitutional provisions that protect state autonomy in language matters,” said Naquib Mohammad Ghausi, a Delhi-based education policy analyst.
Legal and Historical Concerns
Opponents highlight that the policy contradicts several constitutional provisions, including Article 29, which safeguards cultural and linguistic rights, and Article 345, which grants states the authority to determine their official languages. Historical debates in the Constituent Assembly also reveal concerns that forced Hindi imposition could create linguistic hierarchies, a fear echoed today.
Impact on Regional Languages
The policy’s effect on regional languages, especially in North India, has also been questioned. Languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Awadhi have been overshadowed by the dominance of standardized Hindi. “This policy does not just affect the South it marginalizes indigenous languages in the North as well,” said Ghausi.
Similarly, in the Northeast, where most languages belong to Tibeto-Burman and Austroasiatic families, the imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit is seen as a cultural disruption. Critics argue that language policies should reflect linguistic realities rather than serve ideological interests.
A Tool for Sanskritization?
Some experts believe the policy is a strategic move toward Sanskritizing Indian education. “Over time, Hindi has been reshaped by state policies to include more Sanskrit vocabulary, making it inaccessible to many,” Ghausi added. He argues that the policy is part of a larger ideological push that seeks to restructure India’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Tamil Nadu’s Resistance and National Implications
Tamil Nadu’s rejection of the policy aligns with its history of resisting Hindi imposition, most notably during the Anti-Hindi Agitations of 1937 and 1965. Other non-Hindi-speaking states may follow suit, setting the stage for a larger debate on language and federalism in India.
As discussions around NEP 2020 continue, education experts and policymakers are calling for a more inclusive approach that respects India’s linguistic diversity. Whether the Three-Language Policy will be implemented nationwide remains a contentious issue, with its implications extending far beyond the classroom.
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