‘Regional language reform has been long awaited’
NEW DELHI: The move to impart technical education in regional languages from 2021 is aimed at ensuring equity, especially with rural students in mind, but “there will not be any compromise on the quality of IITs”, Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tells in an email interview. Acknowledging that there were concerns from some quarters, Pokhriyal emphasised that the decisions will evolve from a consultative process and only implemented in those IITs that are ready. Edited excerpts:
Amandeep Shukla You have formed a task force on the teaching of technical engineering in regional languages. Are Indian institutions prepared for such a change?
I believe that the reform has been long-awaited by higher education institutes and students who study in regional languages. Our vision emanates from the National Education Policy (NEP) which recommends that “More HEIs, and more programmes in higher education, will use the mother tongue/local language as a medium of instruction, and/or offer programmes bilingually”. The Official Language Commission, Emotional Integration Committee, National Education Policy (1968), National Education Policy (1986/1992) -- each report, while recommending the use of Indian language as the medium of instruction, also pronounced that Indian languages are a sine qua non (something that is essential if you want to achieve a particular thing) for the educational and cultural development of our nation, enunciating the notion of ‘Equity in Education’.
We have also decided to conduct the JEE exam in the regional languages so that students will not be at a disadvantage because of language.
Some heads of leading institutions have expressed doubts, reservations or even caution against the move. How do you plan to move ahead?
One of the main concerns is regarding rankings and quality of IITs. I would reiterate that “there will not be any compromise with the quality of IITs”. We want to make IITs worldclass. Till now, the ministry of education has adopted the approach that all implementation modalities will be taken through a consultative process... I have taken the lead by holding the first meeting to seek suggestions and understand the issues involved. In this meeting, it was decided to set up a task force to examine all the issues threadbare.
Many of our institutions have made a name for themselves globally by teaching in English. How will you ensure this value remains intact?
We are creating an enabling environment for students who are studying in regional languages to excel in technical courses. I think the overall quality will improve because when students understand concepts in their mother tongue, they can think better. We never said English would go away, and we are only saying that in addition to English, an environment should be created in higher education institutes where students from regional languages can also excel.
Is it possible that such a step can be taken from the next session itself? Which are the languages in which courses can commence?
The implementation of regional language in the technical courses will happen in a phase-wise manner, starting from the year 2021. This initiative will be implemented in those IITs which are ready.
The academic session 2020-21 has been badly affected by the pandemic. How are you planning the next academic session?
I have been conducting rigorous, participative and inclusive consultation with students, teachers and parents. I have invited their suggestion and concerns and will be answering them on December 17.
Is it possible that in the coming years, there can be purely online schools?
No proposal at present is under examination for pure online schools. Digital or online learning cannot replace the classroom teaching-learning process, particularly at foundational and primary levels. However, blended learning will be the new normal.
A group of ministers headed by your cabinet colleague Dharmendra Pradhan has recently suggested distributing devices to students to overcome the digital divide. Is it possible that the Centre will come to the aid of students who are facing difficulties?
The GoM is examining various issues related to e-learning. The Ministry of Education will be strengthening the ICT facilities in upper primary, secondary and sr. secondary government schools following the recommendations of the NEP.