Context:
The Centre government has withheld funds to Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha scheme due to the State’s refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s three-language formula.
Three-Language Formula:
- Introduced in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 1968 (during the time of Indira Gandhi)
- Objective – To promote multilingualism, national unity, and administrative efficiency.
- Structure –
- Hindi-speaking States – Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a south Indian language).
- Non-Hindi speaking States – Regional language, Hindi, and English.
- Retained in NEP 2020 with greater flexibility, allowing States to choose languages.
- Tamil Nadu, however rejected the 3-language formula and adopted a 2-language policy (Tamil and English) in 1968, citing Hindi imposition.
Three-Language Formula in NEP 2020:
- States and students can choose the 3 languages, with at least 2 being native to India.
- No specific language is mandated for any State.
- Emphasis on mother tongue – Encourages teaching in the home language/mother tongue until Grade 5, preferably till Grade 8.
- Sanskrit is promoted as an optional language within the 3-language formula.
Samagra Shiksha Scheme:
- A centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2018
- Aim – To provide holistic school education from pre-school to Class XII.
- Funding Pattern –
- 90:10 (for North-Eastern States and Himalayan States).
- 60:40 (for other States)
- 100% Central funding for Union Territories without Legislature.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a)