Overview

• Speaking at IIT Madras, the Union education minister said Classes 1–2 will study two languages with the mother tongue mandatory, and Classes 6–10 will follow a three‑language formula including the mother tongue.
• He argued the framework is flexible and gave the example of Uttar Pradesh students being able to choose Tamil or other Indian languages as additional options.
• Responding to criticism from the DMK and others, he said claims of language imposition are politically motivated and urged viewing language as a facilitator.
• He stated that funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan would be released after states sign mutual Memorandums of Understanding with the Centre.
• Citing that only about 10% of Indians speak English, he emphasized teaching in local languages to better serve students across the country.