The Chhattisgarh government announced the inclusion of local languages and dialects in the primary education curriculum. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's vision of making education accessible in students' native languages.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed the education department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages and dialects. This emphasizes providing high-quality educational resources tailored to the specific needs of tribal communities. The program aims to introduce languages like Sadi in the Jashpur district, which has a predominantly tribal population.
NEP 2020's three-language formula forms the foundation for this program. This policy mandates that students learn two native Indian languages, including a regional language and English. This flexibility in the medium of instruction empowers schools to choose any of these three languages, promoting multilingualism and fostering respect for India's rich linguistic diversity.
“Its objective is to increase access and quality of education in tribal communities, so that children can get education in their mother tongue and stay connected with their culture,” explained Chief Minister Sai at the Shala Praveshotsav event held in Jashpur, as quoted by Business Standard.
Shala Praveshotsav, traditionally celebrated in Raipur to encourage school enrollment, was held this year in Bagiya village, a remote tribal area within Jashpur district. This shift reflects the state government's commitment to prioritizing education in remote regions, particularly those with a high tribal population. Notably, Chief Minister Sai hails from Jashpur district, further underlining the government's focus on uplifting this area.
Including local languages and dialects in Chhattisgarh's primary education curriculum signifies a progressive step towards achieving inclusive and culturally sensitive education for all students, especially those in tribal communities.