Haryana adopts three-language formula in Schools | Haryana | 26 Feb 2025

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.

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.

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.