Jharkhand plans mother-tongue education and spoken English training for students
Chief Minister Hemant Soren reviewed a draft policy aimed at promoting multilingual learning and bridging linguistic gaps in classrooms.
The Jharkhand government is planning to introduce mother-tongue-based education in schools and provide spoken English training before students finish Class 12, according to The New Indian Express.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren reviewed the draft of the proposed Jharkhand State Language Education Policy at the Jharkhand Secretariat on Wednesday.
Soren directed officials to ensure the policy accounts for the linguistic, cultural, and social diversity of the state.
The Chief Minister noted that children typically use local languages at home, and that using Hindi or English as the main medium of instruction can create a gap in the classroom.
He stated that this should not hinder a child's ability to learn, express themselves, or understand lessons, especially during their early years of schooling.
Soren instructed officials to follow the principle of 'additive multilingualism', where second and third languages are added to a student's education without replacing their first language.
The Chief Minister suggested that the mother tongue, Hindi, and English should work together within the education system.
He added that proficiency in spoken English would help students who travel outside the state for jobs, higher education, competitive exams, or sports.
Officials said a Language Education Policy Formulation Committee was set up in 2025 to prepare the draft by studying education systems in Jharkhand and other states.
The proposed policy divides schooling into three stages: early childhood to Class 2, Classes 3 to 5, and Classes 6 to 12.
The policy intends to integrate local languages across these stages while focusing on digital skills and competitive exam preparation.