NEP 2020 Does Not Impose Any Language on States, Minister Clarifies in Lok Sabha

Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary reaffirmed in the Lok Sabha that the *National Education Policy (NEP) 2020* does not impose any language on Indian states. The minister emphasized that states retain complete authority to determine their own linguistic pathways in education.

The policy's three-language formula is advisory rather than prescriptive, allowing states to select languages based on local needs and preferences. Students are encouraged to learn three languages, with at least two being native to India, but all choices remain voluntary and context-specific.

The clarification addresses persistent concerns about alleged Hindi imposition, repositioning the policy as one of opportunity rather than compulsion. The minister highlighted that multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities and aligns with global educational trends.

As education falls under the Concurrent List, implementation responsibility rests primarily with states. The government provides institutional support through initiatives like Samagra Shiksha to facilitate multilingual education. The policy seeks to balance national integration with regional identity, celebrating India's linguistic diversity while promoting mutual understanding across regions.