In a groundbreaking move, the Chhattisgarh government is set to provide primary education in 18 local languages and dialects in remote tribal regions. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for mother tongue or local language as the medium of instruction at least up to the fifth standard.
Introduction of Bilingual Education
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has mandated the State Education Department to create and freely distribute bilingual textbooks in 18 local languages and dialects. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of educational resources available to students in these regions.
“The new initiative of providing education in local languages will also be helpful in preserving local culture and traditions,” Sai said at the state-level ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ programme in Bagiya village, Jashpur district.
Shala Praveshotsav: An Annual Educational Festival
The Shala Praveshotsav, an annual event marking the start of the new academic session, aims to encourage school enrollment. This year, the event was relocated from the state capital Raipur to Bagiya, the Chief Minister’s hometown, to underscore the importance of local education.
Addressing Literacy Rates
Chhattisgarh’s literacy rate stands at 70.28%, below the national average of 76%. The government hopes that providing education in local languages will help bridge this gap and improve literacy rates, especially in tribal areas.
Development of Courses in Local Languages
School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi detailed the preparation of courses in several local languages. These include Chhattisgarhi, spoken by 65.83% of Class 1 students; Sargujiha (9.38%); Halbi (4.19%); Sadari (3.97%); Gondi-Dantewada (2.33%); and Kudukh (0.7%).
Exams in Local Languages for Primary Students
In tribal areas, primary school exams can now be taken in local languages and dialects. An Education Department official mentioned that while exams for primary classes will be conducted in local languages, higher classes will still have exams in Hindi and English.
