Haryana

• 26 Feb 2025

Haryana adopts three-language formula in Schools

Why in News? 

Haryana government has implemented the three-language formula in schools under the Board of School Education, Bhiwani, as per National Education Policy, 2020. 

Key Points

• Students of Class IX and X must study English and Hindi as mandatory languages, while they can choose a third language from Sanskrit, Punjabi, or Urdu. 
  • Other mandatory subjects include Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. 
• These students will have the option of selecting one subject among vocational subjects, physical education, drawing, music, etc.  
• The new subject combination shall be applicable in Class IX from academic session 2025-26 and will subsequently be applicable for both Class IX and X from academic session 2026-27.  
• Haryana is the first state to implement the three-language formula under NEP 2020. 
• Demands for Additional Reforms 
  • Punjabi teachers have been waiting for promotions for a long time and have requested that they be granted based on merit. 
  • The government should implement the CBSE Punjabi curriculum in Haryana Board schools for Classes IX to XII. 
  • Appointment of Punjabi teachers in Punjabi-speaking districts (Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Karnal, Kaithal). 
  • The introduction of Punjabi as a subject from Class III in these districts, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. 

National Education Policy 2020? 

• About:  
  • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to address India's evolving development needs by overhauling the education system to meet 21st century goals and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), while preserving India's cultural heritage.  
  • It replaced the National Policy on Education, 1986, which was modified in 1992. 
• Salient Features: 
  • Universal Access: Focuses on providing access to education from preschool through secondary levels. 
  • Early Childhood Education: Transitions from the 10+2 to a 5+3+3+4 system, including children aged 3-6 in the school curriculum with an emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). 
  • Multilingualism: Promotes using mother tongues or regional languages as the medium of instruction up to Grade 5, with options for Sanskrit and other languages. Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardised. 
  • Inclusive Education: Emphasises support for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), children with disabilities, and the establishment of "Bal Bhavans." 
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Enhancement: Aim to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio from 26.3% to 50% by 2035, adding 3.5 crore new seats.