The Bihar government has decided to introduce one regional language for students of classes 1 and 2 in all state-run schools from the next academic session. Education Minister Mithlesh Tiwary announced the decision in Patna on Tuesday, according to Hindustan Times, which carried a PTI report. Languages such as Maithili, Bhojpuri and Bajjika will be included.
Key points
- One regional language will be introduced for classes 1 and 2 in all state-run schools from the next academic session.
- SCERT has been authorised to prepare textbooks in Bhojpuri, Magahi, Surjapuri, Bajjika, Maithili and Angika.
- The minister said the same arrangement will later be extended to classes 3 to 5.
- The move follows the National Education Policy and its focus on mother-tongue learning.
Why the decision was taken
Mr Tiwary told PTI that the step is part of the government's effort to promote mother-tongue-based education at the primary level under the National Education Policy (NEP). He said the policy stresses regional languages so that children understand concepts better and India's linguistic diversity is preserved.
The minister added that the NEP recommends the home language, mother tongue, or a local or regional language as the medium of instruction up to at least class 5.
Textbooks being prepared
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has been given the task of preparing the books. SCERT Director Yatendra Kumar Pal told PTI that textbooks for classes 1 and 2 are being developed in the six regional languages. He said they are being prepared in consultation with teachers and experts of these languages and will be introduced from the next academic session.
Jainendra Kumar Dost, a lecturer at SCERT who is coordinating workshops to finalise the content, said the council recently held one workshop and will organise two more. For classes 3 to 5, Mr Tiwary said, textbooks in these languages will be developed later.
What it means for students
Mr Dost said the aim is to let learners gain knowledge through regional languages, in line with the National Curriculum Framework 2023 and the NEP 2020. He said the move will strengthen a basic link in efforts to preserve and promote regional languages.
According to him, children will get chances to speak in their local languages, which will help them adjust to school culture more easily and naturally. They will also be able to connect with their local culture, festivals, fairs, occupations, agriculture and farming, which he said will build their self-confidence.
The government has not yet been quoted in the report on the exact start date of the next session or on how the languages will be assigned to schools in different areas.
