Section 29(2) (f) of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 states that “medium of instructions shall, as far as practicable, be in child’s mother tongue”. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005 emphasises the importance of imparting primary education in the mother tongue of the child. However, the curriculum and evaluation framework are to be decided by the State Governments and it is up to them to decide the medium of instruction in the school. Several States have taken steps to impart education to children in their mother tongue.
As education is in the concurrent list, the curriculum is decided by the State Government. However, The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005 clearly states that the three-language formula is an attempt to address the challenges and opportunities of the linguistic situation in India. In the non-Hindi-speaking states, children learn Hindi. In the case of Hindi speaking states, children learn a language not spoken in their area. Sanskrit may also be studied as a Modern Indian Language (MIL) in addition to these languages. Further, it recommends Yoga as an Integral Part of Health and Physical Education. All States have either adopted NCF or adapted their curriculum as per NCF.
This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Shri Upendra Kushwaha today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.
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GG/RK/ Education through Mother Tongue