Refocus on English’s importance and shed myopia.

• Over seven decades, Indian education policies have neglected English language instruction.
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, influenced by political ideologies, has aimed to restrict the spread of English and diminish its significance.
• The neutral nature of English, recognized by the Constitution of India as a tool of equality, safeguards its position.
• This ongoing conflict has significantly hindered the ability of the economically deprived masses to achieve proficiency in English, perpetuating a cycle of educational and socio-economic disadvantage.

The ‘Agenda’ Behind the Cover of ‘Diversity’
• The NEP 2020’s three-language formula promotes linguistic diversity but conceals a deeper agenda aimed at reviving the concept of a Hindi-India, diminishing the role of English in India.
• This approach is in conflict with the aspirations of millions who view English as a ladder to socio-economic mobility and stands at odds with the Constitution, which safeguards against the imposition of any single language on the nation.
• The Constitution enshrines English and Hindi as official languages, refraining from appointing a national language, while protecting regional languages.

The Shift in Demand for English
• Since the economic liberalisation of 1991, the demand for English has surged, aligning with the global narrative that “the world is flat”.
• The NEP 2020 not only marginalizes English but also gives a disproportionate thrust to regional languages, fuelling regional identity politics.

The Thread from the Past
• The anti-English stance is not new, with systematic efforts to diminish the role of English, despite its status as a co-official language.
• The policy’s practical implementation shows its flaws, with the infrastructure and resources heavily biased towards Hindi.

Be Pragmatic
• India needs a pragmatic language policy that respects its cultural diversity while addressing the practical needs of its citizens.
• A two-language formula, comprising a regional language and English, would better serve the aspirations of Indians to be global citizens while preserving their unique cultural identities.
• The government must prioritize the promotion and development of English not as a competitor to Indian languages but as a vital tool for national and international communication.