SEP Commission Proposes Two-Language Policy for Karnataka

Speedy Summary

• Karnataka’s State Education Policy (SEP) Commission has recommended adopting a two-language policy in schools,similar to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
• The report highlights challenges under the three-language policy, including student pressure, high failure rates in Hindi as the third language during SSLC exams, and exclusion of regional languages from central board examinations.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Kannada advancement Authority (KDA) have expressed support for the two-language policy.
• KDA chairman Purushottam Bilimale emphasized the importance of commitment by Karnataka’s government while acknowledging potential difficulties due to national political affiliations that favor Hindi.
• Private school associations like KAMS have opposed this recommendation, arguing that abandoning the three-language policy woudl close schools offering instruction in various regional languages such as Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu.
• Critics also claim eliminating third language learning may negatively impact children’s cognitive development.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The debate over Karnataka’s language policy spotlights an enduring tension between linguistic diversity and administrative simplicity. Advocates for a two-language system stress its potential to reduce academic stress on students while aligning with state priorities for promoting Kannada. Though,critics argue this shift could marginalize non-Kannada-speaking populations and limit opportunities for students to engage with multiple languages-an essential skill in today’s increasingly globalized world.

While private schools fear closures tied to linguistic restrictions under a pared-down model,proponents cite precedents like Tamil Nadu’s long-standing success with its two-language system. Ultimately, balancing educational inclusivity with practical benefits will require complete deliberations by policymakers that consider sociocultural impacts across diverse communities within Karnataka.

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