Five years into its implementation, India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is showing promising early results, especially in foundational learning for primary students. The policy emphasizes the development of creative potential in each individual, focusing not only on cognitive capacities like literacy and numeracy but also on social, ethical, and emotional skills. It aims to create an education system by 2040 that is second to none, providing equitable access to high-quality education for all learners, regardless of their background.
One of the key highlights of NEP 2020 is its emphasis on multilingualism. The policy promotes the use of mother tongue or regional languages in the early stages of education, ideally until Grade 8. Research suggests that children learn more effectively when taught in their native language. Furthermore, NEP 2020 introduces the three-language formula, allowing students to learn their local mother tongue, a regional language, and Hindi or English. This approach aims to equip students with the ability to communicate at local, national, and global levels.
Industry leaders and education experts have voiced strong support for multilingual education. TV Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, believes that learning multiple languages is a valuable skill that enhances career mobility across India. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also supports the NEP's focus on multilingualism, stating that it is a good way of developing such skills early in life. Sudha Murthy shared her personal experience, reinforcing the advantages of learning multiple languages.
However, the implementation of the three-language formula has faced some challenges. The Tamil Nadu government has been critical of the policy, accusing the central government of trying to impose Hindi. Despite these concerns, the policy emphasizes flexibility and states that no language will be forced upon any state. The implementation of the three-language policy is left to the discretion of individual states and union territories, taking into account local needs and linguistic diversity.
In addition to language, NEP 2020 aims to address the issue of student dropout rates. Data indicates that a significant proportion of students drop out after Grade 5 and especially after Grade 8. To tackle this, the policy emphasizes the importance of incorporating basic arts, crafts, humanities, games, sports, and values into the curriculum to make education more well-rounded and fulfilling.
NEP 2020 has the potential to transform India's education system by promoting foundational learning, multilingualism, and inclusivity. The policy's success will depend on effective implementation, collaboration between the central and state governments, and addressing the concerns of various stakeholders. While early results are promising, continued efforts are needed to ensure that NEP 2020 delivers on its full promise and creates a brighter future for all learners in India.
