In the much debated National Education Policy Reform, initiated by the HRD Ministry, in a new turn of events, the states are given the right to teach foreign languages in school. Also stress is laid on training the students to accept and not adjust to the country’s plural nature which is evident in the range of cultures, languages and heritages that we share. It also says that the exemption given to minority schools from reserving seats for economically weaker sections is wrong. TSR Subramanian, the head of the five member panel who drew up the draft, explained the existing age old norm of Three Language Formula in schools. Under the National Education Policy of 1968, it was compulsory for students of classes VI-X to learn three languages out of which the first has to be the mother tongue. For non-Hindi speaking states, the second and third languages have to be English and Hindi. For Hindi speaking states, they have to learn English and another South Indian language. No foreign language can be however taught.
According to the new policy, at the primary level (Classes I-V) the medium of instruction has to be the mother tongue and from class VI to VIII second language can be introduced. The third language will be taught at the upper secondary classes of IX & X. But states have the option of introducing it at the upper primary stage. No specific language combination prescribed, so there is room open for teaching any foreign language like French, German, Arabic, etc depending on parents and state preference. In fact, the new policy realizes that one of the main reasons why private schools are becoming popular choice among parents is because of their medium of instruction being English and hence the option of introducing English at a lower level than previously proposed. At present there is no uniform practice in states as to when should English be introduced. However English should be more communication oriented than grammar based.
Similar is the case with Sanskrit, which enjoys the same provisions as does English. The Right to Education Act says 25% reservation in private schools for children of economically weaker sections, but this was dismissed by the Supreme Court which pointed out that the minorities are empowered by the constitution to go for their choice of educational institution.
Source: http://goo.gl/b8zHDQ
