Chhattisgarh school children to receive primary education in 18 local dialects

In a move to ensure inclusivity in education, the Government of Chhattisgarh led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has decided to impart primary education in 18 local dialects mainly in the tribal areas of the state. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed the education department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages and dialects.

The goal is to enhance access and quality of education especially in tribal communities so that children can receive education in their mother tongue and stay connected with their culture.

National Education Policy 2020

The move is in line with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). As per the three-language formula in NEP 2020, every student in India should learn three languages: two native Indian languages, including one regional language, and English.

“The initiative is a part of the broader vision under NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 to make education more inclusive and accessible to children in their native languages”, as per an official of the Chhattisgarh government.

The CM says

The textbooks and teaching material would be translated into local dialects and teachers would also be trained in these languages as per orders of the Chief Minister.

“The new initiative of providing education in local language will also be helpful in preserving local culture and traditions,” the CM said while attending a programme at Bagiya village in tribal-dominated Jashpur district. The chief minister also said that under the PM Shri programme, 211 schools are being developed as model schools in the state.

Dialects selected

“In the first phase, courses will be prepared in Chhattisgarhi, Sargujia, Halbi, Sadari, Gondi-Dantewada and Kudukh. For this, the help of litterateurs, folk artists and compilers from across the state will be taken. Apart from this, cooperation will also be taken from senior citizens and teachers,” informed School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi.

Primary education imparted in the local dialect is expected to encourage more people to enroll their children in schools. However, even though the Education Department plans to conduct primary school exams in local languages and dialects, for higher classes, exams will still be conducted in Hindi and English as usual.