CBSE: Encouraging Indian Language Instruction in Schools till Class 5, UGC Chief Lauds the Decision

CBSE: Encouraging Indian Language Instruction in Schools till Class 5, UGC Chief Lauds the Decision

Last Updated Jul - 25 - 2023, 01:33 PM | Source : tribuneindia | Visitors : 45

In celebration of the third anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020, CBSE has taken a significant step by urging its associated institutions to includ

 In celebration of the third anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020, CBSE has taken a significant step by urging its associated institutions to include Indian language instruction in their curricula up to Class 5. Citing the cognitive benefits of multilingualism, NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of mother tongue or regional languages as the medium of instruction, preferably until Grade 8 and beyond. M. Jagadesh Kumar, the head of UGC, praised CBSE's decision, highlighting how promoting Indian languages in education will foster creativity and innovation among students. This collaborative effort between school and higher education systems aims to ensure a consistent supply of language-competent individuals to Higher Educational Institutions.

In particular, up till Class 5, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has urged its associated institutions to include Indian language instruction in their curricula. This announcement has been made in honor of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reaching its third anniversary.

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NEP 2020 was used by CBSE as justification for encouraging language variety, understanding of culture, and academic performance in schools.

"Paragraph 4.12 of the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the significant cognitive benefits of multilingualism for young learners, particularly when they are exposed to multiple languages from the foundational stage, with a specific focus on their mother tongue." The official circular said that the policy "strongly advocates the use of the home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional language as the medium of instruction whenever possible, at least until Grade 5, but preferably extending until Grade 8 and beyond."

M. Jagadesh Kumar, the head of UGC, praised the choice made by CBSE. According to his tweet, "The school and higher education systems working together to promote Indian languages in education would give a consistent supply of students to Higher Educational Institutions who can think and operate in Indian languages, making them creative and innovative.

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