'To what extent can English…': SC questions use of term ‘native’ in CBSE's three-language policy
Questioning the use of term 'native', Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the correct term should be ‘indigenous’ and the NEP 2020 framers should have been concious.
The Supreme Court of India questioned the use of the term 'native' in the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) three-language policy introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Justice Joymalya Bagchi suggested that the term 'indigenous' would be more appropriate, as 'native' has colonial roots. The court also raised concerns about English's status as indigenous or non-indigenous in India and whether it can be considered such.
The bench expressed reservations about the use of 'native' due to its colonial origin and emphasized that the framers of NEP 2020 should have been mindful of this. The court is now examining the constitutionality of calling English a non-indigenous language in India. The three-language policy, mandated to be implemented from the academic session 2026-27, requires students in Class IX and above to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
The court's concerns over the sudden implementation, schools' preparedness, and availability of qualified teachers and resources have led to a request for a reconsideration of the transition for the current Class 6 batch.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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