State Education Policy: ‘Mother tongue’ first language in Bengal govt’s 3-language formula
Continues with current 5+4+2+2 system, suggests semester system for classes XI, XII
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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, but not as the first language. (Representational Image) Less than a week after notifying the State Education Policy, 2023, the West Bengal government on Saturday made it public. While it has continued with the prevailing 5+4+2+2 pattern for school education, it has recommended the introduction of a three-language formula in the upper primary level (class V to VIII) with the first language, the “mother tongue”, being the medium of instruction. It also recommended a unique identity card for all students.
The education policy for the state-sponsored and aided schools will come into effect from the next academic year.
On the three-language system, the State Education Policy stated: “The three-language formula to be introduced in schools, for the students of class 5 to 8, depending upon the availability of infrastructure and resources. It is suggested that the first language (mother tongue) would be the medium of instruction of the school eg Nepali in Nepali-medium school, Santhali in Santhali-medium school, Rajbanshi in Rajbanshi-medium school, Bengali in Bangla-medium school, English in English-medium school, Urdu in Urdu-medium school, Hindi in Hindi-medium school, Kurmali in Kurmali-medium school etc.”
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 policy stated. “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 should not be burdened, keeping in mind the development needs and abilities of students at that age,” it added.
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, but not as the first language.
On continuing with the 5+4+2+2 pattern for school education, the policy stated: “The present structure of school education in West Bengal follows a 5+4+2+2 pattern. Beginning with one year of pre-primary and four years of primary till class 4, the students move through four years of upper primary, to two years of secondary and two years of higher secondary. It is proposed that the same pattern should continue to be followed in the state.”
“The only change suggested in the structure is the inclusion of the first two years of early years education at an anganwadi centre. This would be followed by one year of pre-primary at a government or private pre-primary school. The existing structure of primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary would remain as it is,” it 178-page policy uploaded on West Bengal School Education Department stated.
At the secondary education level, the policy recommended “appropriate and adequate career counselling” to equip students with the ability to choose their future careers based on their abilities and interests. It also asked schools to consider introducing a “graduation ceremony” to felicitate students during promotions to the next class.
In the Higher Secondary Education level (Class XI and XII), it has recommended “introducing a semester system to ease the transition from school to university in a phased manner”. “A combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions may be introduced in semester examinations,” it added.
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