Prakash Javadekar Clears Air on Three-Language Formula

The Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday, responding to Tamil Nadu opposition parties' objection to the three-language formula for schools in the state as stated in the national education draft policy, said that it has not taken a decision on policy and that there was no intention of imposing any language.

"The committee on new education policy has submitted its report. The government has not taken any decision on it," said Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar while interacting with the media.

"Modi government has always promoted all Indian languages. Therefore, there is no case or intention of imposing any language on anybody. We want to promote all Indian languages. There should be no misunderstanding on the issue that this is a government policy. It is a draft prepared by the committee which will be decided by the government only after we get public feedback," Prakash Javadekar, who was Human Resource Development Minister in the previous NDA government, further said.

It may be mentioned here that the opposition political parties in Tamil Nadu on Saturday opposed the three-language formula for schools in the state, as stated in the draft national education policy presented by K. Kasturirangan Committee to the central government.

DMK Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi, while speaking to reporters in Chennai, said her party would oppose any such move.

"No language should be imposed and those who are interested can learn any language of their choice", said actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan while reacting to the formula.

"Hindi should not be imposed in Tamil Nadu," said founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) S Ramadoss.

It is worth mentioning here that the Kasturirangan Committee has recommended teaching of Hindi, English and one regional language in the non-Hindi states.

The committee, for Hindi-speaking states, further recommended teaching of Hindi, English and one of the modern Indian languages from other parts of the country.

However, the committee has not specified what the modern Indian language would be.

Notably, Tamil has been accorded a classical language status by the Central government.