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 the IITs”, Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank expressed in an 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. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
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Are Indian Institutions Prepared for Teaching of Engineering in Regional Languages?
I believe that the reform has been long-awaited by higher education institutions and students who study in regional languages. Our vision stems from the National Education Policy (NEP) which recommends that more HEIs and higher education programmes use the mother tongue/local language as a medium of instruction and/or offer programmes bilingually.' Official Languages Commission, Emotional Integration Committee, National Education Policy (1968), National Education Policy (1986/1992)—-each report, while recommending the use of Indian language as a medium of instruction, also stated that Indian languages are a sine qua non (which is essential if you want to achieve something for the development of education and culture.
I am very encouraged by the support of many leading thinkers, intellectuals and even directors of IITs and NITs for the initiative. We have also decided to take the JEE Main exam in regional languages so that students will not be put at a disadvantage because of language.
This reform will help talented rural students to study in their own languages without being alienated. This policy initiative will benefit students from rural areas and remote areas in a positive way.
Many IITs, such as IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee, have already taken steps to promote the use of regional languages in their teaching in the first year. IIT Kharagpur has begun to develop a policy framework for regional language education, not only in schools but also in technical institutions, so that language does not become a barrier to learning.
How is Ministry of Education Addressing Doubts Raised By Eminent Institutions?
One of the main concerns is the ranking and quality of the IITs. I would like to reiterate that there will be no compromise on the quality of the IITs." We want to make the world of IITs-. We have declared many IITs to be Institutes of Eminence (IOE).
Until now the Ministry of Education has adopted the approach that all modalities of implementation will be adopted through a consultative process. The modalities of implementation of this Decision will also be taken after proper discussions and consultations have taken place. I took the lead in holding the first meeting to seek suggestions and to understand the issues involved. At this meeting, it was decided that a task force should be set up to examine all the threaded issues. Now that the task force has been set up, there should be no apprehensions.
Will this Move Affect in Dilution of Standards of Institutes in the World?
We are creating an enabling environment for students studying in regional languages to excel in technical courses. I think that overall quality will improve, because students can think better when they understand concepts in their mother tongue. We've never said that English would go away, and we're just saying that in addition to English, an environment should be created in higher education institutions where students from regional languages can also excel.
Many countries have excellent education systems and do not use English as a medium of instruction. If we can also educate our students in the mother tongue, along with English, we will ensure that we can make global citizens who at the same time, speak locally.
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Can this Move Begin from Next Session, if Yes, Which Languages Incorporated?
The implementation of the regional language in the technical courses will take place in a phased manner, starting in 2021. This initiative will be implemented in those IITs that are ready for implementation. We understand that there are a lot of issues, starting with the quality of the textbooks, the reference material, the training of the faculty to teach in their mother tongue, the use of technology to connect the various institutes where the faculty is available to teach in their mother tongue, etc. The task force will carry out the detailed implementation plan of the same.
CAT to be Held in Hindi and other Languages?
I am glad that IIMs have already taken the lead by starting a deliberation on conducting the CAT exam in Schedule VIII languages. I believe that CAT applicants will appreciate the language option when made available.
How to Cope Up with the Losses in Academic Session 2020-21?
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 17th December.
Pure Online Schools in the Upcoming years?
No proposal at present is under examination for pure online schools. Digital or online learning cannot replace the room teaching-learning process, particularly at foundational and primary levels. However, blended learning will be the new normal.
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