English Indigenous Or Foreign Language? Supreme Court For Examining Constitutionality, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court is examining the constitutionality of classifying English as a "non-indigenous" language under the CBSE's three-language policy.
• This policy, part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, mandates students learn three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages, from the 2026-27 academic session.
• A three-judge bench, including Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, is hearing petitions challenging the policy.
• The Court has raised concerns about the policy's implementation for current Class 6 students, citing issues with infrastructure and the availability of qualified teachers for Indian languages.
• Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the use of the term "native" due to its "colonial import" and suggested "indigenous" as a more appropriate term.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court's observation stems from the historical roots and widespread use of English in India, which has led to its status as an official language in the Constitution and in several states.
• The three-language formula was initially proposed by the Kothari Commission (1964-66) and adopted in the National Policy on Education (NPE) 1968, later reaffirmed in NPE 1986 and continued in NEP 2020.
• The NEP 2020 aims to promote multilingualism and national unity, emphasizing flexibility and non-imposition of any language.
• Petitioners have highlighted challenges such as the lack of B.Ed qualified teachers for various Indian languages and inadequate school infrastructure to support the new language requirements.
• The Court has urged the CBSE to reconsider providing a reprieve for current Class 6 students and to address the human resource infrastructure for language options.
• The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is the statutory body responsible for regulating and maintaining standards for teacher education in India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: A comprehensive framework for education in India, replacing the previous policy, aiming for holistic development.
• Three-language formula: An educational policy recommending that students learn three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages.
• Official Language: A language designated by law for use in government, administration, and legal proceedings.
• National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE): A statutory body established to oversee standards, procedures, and processes in teacher education in India.