Context

• UNESCO released the seventh edition of its annual flagship report in New Delhi, titled

“Bhasha Matters: Mother Tongue and Multilingual Education.”

Key Highlights

• The report focuses on the role of language in education in India and emphasizes the promotion of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE).
• It has been prepared in collaboration with the British Council India and UNICEF India.
• The report is fully aligned with the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends teaching in the mother tongue/home language at least up to Grade 5, and preferably up to Grade 8.

Core Focus and Significance of the Report :

• India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with 1,369 languages spoken.
• However, millions of children begin schooling in a language different from their mother tongue, creating learning barriers.
• The central argument of the report is:

• • Children learn best when education begins in a language they understand.
• Mother tongue-based education:

• • Improves reading comprehension, classroom participation, and conceptual understanding
  • Builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning
• It is essential for:

• • Inclusive education
  • Preservation of linguistic diversity
  • Improved learning outcomes
• The report includes case studies from tribal and rural areas, such as material development in Santali, Gondi, Saora, Kui, Bhili, Khasi, and Mizo.
• These case studies show that using the home language:

• • Reduces dropout rates
  • Increases participation of girls and children with disabilities

Key Findings

• Impact of language barriers:

Starting education in a non-home language weakens foundational learning and increases dropout rates, especially among girls in remote areas and children with special needs.

• Positive evidence:

Measurable improvements in reading comprehension, classroom participation, and conceptual understanding when instruction is in the mother tongue.

• Policy–practice gap:

Although NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (2022–2023) recognize multilingualism, implementation on the ground is weak due to:

• • Lack of teacher training
  • Shortage of learning materials
  • Insufficient funding
• Role of technology:

Digital tools such as translation systems, speech technology, and AI can support multilingual education, but the digital divide must be addressed.

• Cultural preservation:

Integrating local knowledge systems and oral traditions into education helps preserve cultural heritage.

Key Recommendations :

• National Mission on MTB-MLE:

A strong framework with effective Centre–State coordination.

• State-level language policies:

Policies aligned with local linguistic realities.

• Teacher capacity building:

Recruitment and training of multilingual teachers; strengthening pre-service and in-service training.

• Multilingual content development:

High-quality textbooks, assessments, and learning resources for all grades.

• Digital infrastructure:

Platforms for multilingual teaching, mentoring, and resource sharing.

• Community participation:

Involving local communities in content creation and curriculum design.

• Funding and monitoring:

Sustainable financing and robust monitoring mechanisms.

Positive Impact and Broader Context :

• Link with NEP 2020:

The report strengthens NEP’s three-language formula and emphasis on the mother tongue.

• Global context:

Inspired by UNESCO’s Global Guidance on Multilingual Education (2025), which highlights that 40% of the world’s population does not receive education in their own language.

• Opportunity for India:

MTB-MLE can promote equity, reduce dropouts, and help preserve cultural and linguistic heritage.

UNESCO

• Full Name: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Established: 1945
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Main Objective:
• To promote peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication.
• The World Heritage Convention (1972) is an international treaty formulated by UNESCO.
• Latest addition to UNESCO World Heritage List:
• Moidams of Assam (burial mound system of the Ahom dynasty), inscribed in July 2024.
• World Heritage Day:
• Celebrated annually on 18 April

• • Theme 2025:

“Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of ICOMOS Actions”

National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)

Introduction

• The National Education Policy 2020 was announced by the Government of India on 29 July 2020.
• It represents the first major reform in education policy since 1986.
• The policy aims to make India a global knowledge superpower and to ensure education that is inclusive, holistic, flexible, and aligned with 21st-century needs.

Key Objectives

• Achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.
• Increase public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP.
• Provide quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all.
• Promote holistic development of students (physical, mental, social, and ethical).
• Encourage technical, vocational, and skill-based education.

Major Features

School Education

• 5+3+3+4 structure for ages 3–18
• Emphasis on mother tongue/local language instruction up to at least Grade 5
• Focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
• Reducing dropouts and ensuring universal access to education

Higher Education

• Multiple entry–exit system
• 3- or 4-year undergraduate programmes with certificates/diplomas for early exit
• A single regulator under the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI)
• Promotion of research and innovation

Language Policy

• Three-language formula
• At least two Indian languages mandatory
• Priority to mother tongue

Teacher Training

• Improved systems for teacher training and evaluation
• Emphasis on teacher quality and capacity building

Other Initiatives

• Digital education, virtual labs, and technology integration
• Introduction of vocational education from the school level
• Special provisions for inclusive and equitable education

Structure of 5+3+3+4

• 5 years: Foundational Stage
• (3 years pre-primary + Classes 1–2)
• 3 years: Preparatory Stage (Classes 3–5)
• 3 years: Middle Stage (Classes 6–8)
• 4 years: Secondary Stage (Classes 9–12)