Hindi-Maratha Row: Challenges of linguistic diversity in India

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Context: Recently, widespread protests have erupted in Maharashtra over the imposition of three-language formula, particularly relating to the inclusion of Hindi.

Three-Language Formula:

  • The idea was first proposed by the Radhakrishnan Committee (1948-49) which was further reiterated by the Kothari Committee (1964-66).
  •  It was officially introduced in the National Policy on Education 1968 and later reaffirmed in  1986,1992 and in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Attributes of Three-Language Formula:

  • Primary emphasis is on mother tongue at the foundational stage to facilitate communication skills and enable cognitive development.
  • Students are motivated to learn three languages with adequate flexibility to ensure seamless accessibility.
  • The formula also seeks to develop cross-cultural understanding, tolerance for linguistic diversity and respect towards social cohesion.

NEP 2020 and Three-Language Formula:

  • Provides freedom of choice to students with a caveat that at least two languages must be native to India.
  • States have the choice to choose specific languages to be taught.
  • The policy also focuses on building proficiency in all three languages by the end of secondary school.

Constitutional Provisions on Linguistic Diversity:

  • Article 29: Protects cultural and educational rights of linguistic minorities.
  • Article 350A: Enables mother-tongue based education at the primary level.
  • Article 350B: Provides for the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
  • Article 351: Directs the Union government to promote the development of Hindi language.
  • Eighth Schedule: Recognizes 22 official languages, ensuring their protection and promotion.

Linguistic Diversity in India:

  • Census 2011: There are more than 99 Non-scheduled languages, 22 Scheduled languages and 121 other languages.
  • Language Families: Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burmese and others.

Advantages of Linguistic Diversity in India:

  •   Preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage through generations.
  •   Promotion of social cohesion through a sense of fraternity among different linguistic groups.
  •   Development of cognitive skills such as better memory, problem solving due to exposure to   diverse languages.
  •   Boost to tourism sector due to the desire among the tourists to learn experience cultures, traditions and languages.
  •   Facilitates a creative spirit in the domain of arts, cinema, music, literature etc.

Challenges of Linguistic Diversity in India:

  • Creates confusion among the policymakers about determining the medium of instruction in educational institutions.
  • Aggravates complexity in implementing nationwide policies as they have to be translated into different languages.
  • Hinders effective communication among people from different regions due to lack of proficiency  in multiple languages.
  • Restricts seamless intra-country mobilisation of workforce due to harassment from chauvinist groups.

Measures Taken to Promote Linguistic Diversity in India:

  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Provides for medium of instruction to be in mother tongue up to at least class 5.
  • Sahitya Akademi: Safeguards Indian languages through awards, publications and research.
  • Technological Initiatives: Bhashini, AI-driven translation tools and regional language support in  digital platforms.
  • Classical Language Status: Recognition of classical languages based on historical significance.
  • Committees: Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee for promotion of Indian  languages,was constituted in 2021.


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