RANCHI: The Jharkhand government is planning to introduce mother-tongue-based education in schools while ensuring that students develop proficiency in spoken English before completing Class 12. A draft of the proposed Jharkhand State Language Education Policy has been prepared to promote multilingual learning and bridge the gap between the languages children speak at home and those used in classrooms.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while reviewing the draft at the Jharkhand Secretariat on Wednesday, directed officials to ensure that the policy reflects the state's linguistic, cultural and social diversity.
Observing that children generally communicate in their mother tongues or local languages at home and within their communities, the Chief Minister said that using Hindi or English as the primary medium of instruction often creates a linguistic gap in classrooms. This should not affect children's understanding, self-expression or learning abilities, particularly during the early years of education, he said.
Soren directed officials to frame the policy on the principle of additive multilingualism, under which additional languages are introduced without replacing a child's mother tongue.
"Education policy should be based on the principle of 'additive multilingualism'. Under this, arrangements should be made for students to receive instruction by adding a second and third language without removing the first language," Soren said. He suggested that the mother tongue, Hindi and English should complement one another in the education system.
Emphasising the importance of English communication skills, the Chief Minister said that students often have to travel outside the state for higher education, employment, competitive examinations and sporting events. Proficiency in spoken English would help them pursue such opportunities with greater confidence, he added.
Soren also asked officials to ensure that students receive adequate spoken English training before completing Class 12.
The Chief Minister stressed that education should go beyond completing the prescribed curriculum and focus on nurturing children's interests, talents and practical skills. He suggested including hockey under the skill-based education initiative, pointing out that children from Jharkhand have consistently performed well in the sport and should be given opportunities to develop their abilities at school level.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that a Language Education Policy Formulation Committee was constituted in 2025 to prepare the draft after studying the education systems of Jharkhand and other states.
The proposed policy divides school education into three stages: early childhood education to Class 2, Classes 3 to 5, and Classes 6 to 12. It envisages integrating mother tongues and local languages across all three stages, while also focusing on digital proficiency and preparing students for competitive examinations.
According to officials, the policy aims to promote the preservation and wider use of local languages through education.