The recent directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) advocating the use of Indian languages to promote multilingual education has been met with appreciation and praise from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. On Twitter, he hailed this move as a momentous stride towards fostering inclusive education and acknowledged how it aligns with the principles outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020, which has been championed under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The decision of CBSE is a significant step towards achieving the objectives set forth in the National Education Policy, 2020, which aims to introduce education in multiple languages. Recognizing the importance of collaboration and resource-sharing among schools, the board emphasized the need for a unified effort to effectively implement multilingual education.
Furthermore, the CBSE acknowledged the commendable efforts made by higher education authorities in providing education and conducting examinations in various languages. The ongoing initiatives to make technical, medical, vocational, skill, and law education textbooks available in Indian languages are a testament to the commitment towards a more inclusive education system. As higher education institutions have already begun adapting to this need, the CBSE emphasizes the pivotal role of schools in laying the foundation for successful multilingual education.
Building on this initiative, the Ministry of Education has directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to take up the task of developing new textbooks in 22 scheduled Indian languages on a priority basis. This crucial step aims to ensure that students across the country have access to high-quality educational materials in their mother tongue or other Indian languages, thereby fostering a more inclusive and diverse learning environment.
By promoting education in multiple languages, the government aims to empower students and provide them with a significant cognitive advantage through exposure to diverse linguistic cultures. The focus on mother tongue education resonates with research that suggests students tend to grasp concepts more effectively when taught in their native language. This approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also preserves and celebrates India’s rich linguistic heritage.
Overall, the CBSE’s move towards multilingual education is a commendable step in the direction of creating a more inclusive and holistic learning ecosystem, where language is a bridge that connects students to knowledge, culture, and identity.
