West Bengal unveils education policy, stresses on three-language formula

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Last Updated12/09/2023

It is suggested that in the upper primary level (class V to VIII) with the first language, the “mother tongue”, being the medium of instruction.
The second language may be English in a non-English medium or any language other than first language, depending upon the choice of the student.
“The third language may be any other language opted by the student, other than first and second languages.
The three-language formula shall be applicable for upper primary level only as the language learning ability in the primary stage.
In the primary level, the education policy also recommended that ‘Bangla’ as a subject may be introduced from Class I to Class XII for students of other mediums of instruction.
At the secondary education level, “appropriate and adequate career counselling” is recommended .
It will help to equip students with the ability to choose their future careers based on their abilities and interests.
It has recommended “introducing a semester system to ease the transition from school to university in a phased manner”.

Objective: “India a global knowledge superpower”.
It is only the 3rd major revamp of the framework of education in India since independence.
The two earlier education policies were brought in 1968 and 1986.
It will ensure Universal Access at All Levels of schooling from pre-primary school to Grade 12.
It will ensure quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years.
New Curricular and Pedagogical Structure (5+3+3+4) corresponds to the age groups of 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.
It covers four stages of schooling: Foundational Stage (5 years), Preparatory Stage (3 years), Middle Stage (3 years), and Secondary Stage (4 years).
No hard separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams;
Emphasis on promoting multilingualism and Indian languages
Setting up of a new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development)
A separate Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups.