Karnataka Bilingual Education Policy Sparks Debate Over Language Learning In Schools
The proposed bilingual education system for primary classes has triggered discussions in Karnataka, with supporters highlighting learning benefits while critics raise concerns about the future role of Kannada.
A recommendation by the State Education Policy Commission to introduce a bilingual education system in Karnataka schools has led to a fresh debate over language education in the state. The proposal suggests making bilingual learning compulsory from pre primary classes to Class 5, but opposition groups have raised objections and approached Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot seeking a review of the decision.
A delegation from the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad met the Governor at Raj Bhavan on July 21 and submitted a complaint against the proposed policy. The organization claimed that the move could weaken the importance of Kannada in schools and requested that steps be taken to protect the position of the state language.
Currently, Karnataka follows a three language system in schools. Under the existing structure, Kannada is generally taught as the first language, English as the second language, and Hindi as the third language. If the bilingual policy is implemented, students in Kannada medium schools would study Kannada as the primary language and English as the second language, while the third language option would be removed.
For English medium schools, the proposed system would allow English as the first language and Kannada as the second language. The policy aims to simplify language education by focusing mainly on the mother tongue along with English.
The State Education Policy Commission recommended that Kannada or the student’s mother tongue should be compulsory along with bilingual education in all types of primary schools from pre primary to Class 5. The commission, headed by education expert Professor Sukhadeo Thorat, submitted its recommendations to the previous Karnataka government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The commission stated that language and medium of instruction issues have become subjects of frequent debate and suggested that all schools under state and central boards should provide education in Kannada or the mother tongue up to Class 5. It also recommended teaching English alongside the regional language instead of continuing with a three language approach at the primary level.
The proposal has also become part of the larger discussion around Karnataka’s education policy changes. Before coming to power, the Congress government had announced in its election manifesto that it would replace the National Education Policy introduced during the previous BJP government with a State Education Policy.
Following the formation of the government, the Karnataka State Education Commission was established in October 2023 under the leadership of Professor Sukhadeo Thorat to prepare recommendations for the state’s education system.
While supporters believe the bilingual approach can improve language skills and reduce academic pressure on young students, opponents argue that removing the third language may impact multilingual learning opportunities. The final decision on implementation will determine how Karnataka’s schools balance regional language protection with broader language education goals.
