New Delhi: Amid the ongoing controversy between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the implementation of the three-language formula, the Union Education Ministry Monday presented data in the Parliament showing that 61.6 percent of schools in India are offering three languages, catering to 74.7 percent of students across the country.
While Gujarat and Punjab lead in the percentage of schools offering three languages, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Tamil Nadu rank among the lowest, the data shows.
The data was submitted in response to a query from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of Tamil Nadu, who asked for a state-wise breakdown of the languages taught under the three-language formula, as well as the number of students studying each language across the country.
The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has been in conflict with the Centre over the implementation of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, alleging it amounts to “Hindi imposition”. Under this formula, students are required to study three languages, with at least two being native to India, up to Class 8, or preferably up to Class 10.
Presenting the data, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Jayant Chaudhary in his written response said, “There will be a greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any State.”
The minister stated, “the three languages learned by children will be the choices of states, regions, and students themselves, provided at least two are native to India.” However, analysis by ThePrint showed that in most Hindi-speaking states, including those ruled by non-BJP parties, Sanskrit is predominantly offered as the third language, while non-Hindi-speaking states typically offer Hindi. Meanwhile, private schools are increasingly offering foreign languages as the third option, driven by growing student demand.
According to data submitted by the Ministry, out of 1,471,891 schools in India, 906,225 schools (61.6 percent) offer the three-language formula. In comparison, 416,601 schools (28.3 percent) offer two languages, while 149,065 schools (10.1 percent) teach only one language.
The data further reveals that of the 248,945,828 students enrolled across the country, 185,318,537 students (74.7 percent) are studying three languages. Meanwhile, 41,652,050 students study two languages, and 21,075,241 students just one language.
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16 states, UTs above national average in offering the 3-language option
According to the data, at least 16 states and Union territories (UTs) exceed the national average in offering the three-language formula, highlighting its broader adoption across the country.
Among the larger states, Gujarat leads with 97.6 percent of schools offering three languages, followed by Punjab (96.2 percent), Sikkim (89.2 percent), Uttarakhand (87.4 percent), and Uttar Pradesh (82.8 percent).
In Union territories, Chandigarh tops the list with 97.4 percent of schools offering three languages, closely followed by Lakshadweep (97.3 percent) and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (96.8 percent).
According to ministry data, the other states exceeding the national average in schools offering three languages include two southern states: Karnataka at 76.4 percent and Kerala at 71.7 percent.
Northeastern states & Tamil Nadu at the bottom
According to the data, the bottom five states in terms of schools offering the three-language formula are Arunachal Pradesh (0.3 percent), Nagaland (2.5 percent), Tamil Nadu (3.2 percent), Meghalaya (18.9 percent), and Assam (33.6 percent). These states lag significantly behind the national average, highlighting regional disparities in the implementation of the three-language policy.
Tamil Nadu is the only state that officially follows the two-language formula. In the southern state, 59.8 percent of schools offer two languages, while 37 percent teach only one language.
Among other states where a significant number of schools offer two languages are Arunachal Pradesh (94.4 percent), Meghalaya (65.8 percent), Assam (58.8 percent), and West Bengal (43.0 percent).
Tamil Nadu has 86 Hindi and 65 Sanskrit faculty in KVs
In response further to a query on language faculty in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in Tamil Nadu, the ministry stated that KVs, classified under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, have sanctioned teacher positions only for Hindi, English, and Sanskrit to maintain uniformity.
However, under Article 112 of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Education Code, students in classes VI to VIII can learn other languages if 15 or more students opt for it, allowing part-time contractual teachers.
Currently, 24 part-time Tamil teachers are employed, and 21 KVs offer Tamil through the Tamil Virtual Academy (TVA). Tamil Nadu has 86 Hindi and 65 Sanskrit faculty in KVs.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)
