Haryana Government Introduces Three-Language Formula in Schools to Align with NEP 2020
Haryana Government Implements Three-Language Formula in State Schools, a Major Step in Education Reform
In a landmark decision, the Haryana government has officially introduced the three-language formula in schools under the Board of School Education, Bhiwani. This move, which aligns with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will be rolled out starting with Class IX students in the upcoming academic session of 2025-26. The formula has been lauded for enhancing students’ language skills and providing them with greater academic and professional opportunities.
The New Language Policy: Key Details
On February 20, 2025, Pankaj Agarwal, Principal Secretary (PS) for the School Education Department in Haryana, issued an order detailing the implementation of the three-language formula. Under the new guidelines, students in Class IX and X will be required to study English and Hindi as mandatory languages. For their third language, students will have the option to choose between Sanskrit, Punjabi, or Urdu.
The order further clarifies that this new subject combination will be applicable to Class IX students starting from the 2025-26 academic session and will extend to Class X students in the 2026-27 session. Alongside the three languages, students will also study mandatory subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, with the option to choose one from vocational subjects, physical education, drawing, or music.
Haryana Becomes First State to Implement NEP 2020’s Language Formula
Haryana is now the first state in India to fully implement the three-language formula as envisioned by the NEP 2020. This move is expected to significantly impact both the educational landscape and the future career prospects of students in the state. According to experts, the introduction of multiple languages will not only improve cognitive abilities but also open doors for greater job opportunities, both in India and abroad.
The Punjabi Teachers and Language Promotion Society (PTLPS) of Haryana has expressed its gratitude towards the state government for this progressive decision. Harjeet Gill, the state president of PTLPS, thanked key officials, including Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, and Principal Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, for their support in promoting regional languages.
Reactions from the Punjabi Teachers and Language Promotion Society
The PTLPS has hailed the implementation of the three-language formula, emphasizing the cultural and educational benefits it will bring to students. The society believes that the introduction of Punjabi, alongside Hindi and English, will enhance students’ moral values and strengthen their connection to local heritage.
Furthermore, the society has urged that the three-language formula be adopted by all CBSE-affiliated schools in Haryana, ensuring that students across the state are required to study three languages in Class IX and X. This will foster a more inclusive education system that accommodates diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Calls for Further Educational Reforms
While the introduction of the three-language formula has been widely praised, the PTLPS has also called for additional reforms to support language education in the state. Sunil Goel, General Secretary of PTLPS, pointed out that Punjabi teachers in Haryana have been waiting for promotions for an extended period. He urged the state government to address this issue by ensuring that Punjabi teachers are promoted based on merit at the earliest.
Additionally, the PTLPS has called for the CBSE curriculum for Punjabi to be introduced in Haryana Board schools from Class IX to XII. According to the society, the CBSE curriculum is more structured and aligned with the interests of students, providing them with a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Promoting Punjabi Language in Haryana
The society has also emphasized the need for Punjabi textbooks to be made available in all government schools before the new academic session begins. PTLPS advocates for the introduction of Punjabi as a subject starting from Class III in districts with significant Punjabi-speaking populations, such as Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Yamunanagar.
Moreover, they have called for Punjabi teachers and lecturers to be appointed in these districts, ensuring that there are qualified professionals available to teach the language in both government and private schools.
The Long-Term Benefits of the Three-Language Formula
The move to implement the three-language formula has the potential to significantly benefit Haryana’s students. By offering a multilingual education, students will gain proficiency in languages that are culturally and economically important, both within India and globally. This will enable them to participate more fully in India’s dynamic workforce and open up opportunities for them to pursue higher education and careers abroad.
Experts believe that this approach will contribute to a more inclusive educational environment where students of different linguistic backgrounds can thrive. Furthermore, promoting regional languages like Punjabi will help preserve and strengthen local culture, ensuring that younger generations stay connected to their roots.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Educational Excellence
The Haryana government’s decision to implement the three-language formula represents a significant step toward educational reform in the state. By aligning with the NEP 2020 and fostering multilingualism, the government is not only providing students with valuable linguistic skills but also ensuring that they are better prepared for the future.
As Haryana continues to lead the way in educational innovation, it is expected that other states will follow suit in promoting a more inclusive and diverse education system for the benefit of their students.