Bonjour, Namaste, Sat Sri Akal: Punjab govt schools embrace language learning | Chandigarh News

Chandigarh: With a debate continuing over the implementation of the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Punjab has embraced multilingual education, promoting language diversity in govt schools.According to a reply by the Union ministry of education in the Lok Sabha to a question by Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi, the state has — despite the multilingual push — continued to reaffirm its commitment to mother tongue-based foundational learning, using Punjabi as the medium of instruction in early gradesAlongside Punjabi, students may opt for Hindi and English, ensuring exposure to both national and international languages. Classroom instruction, particularly at the upper-primary and secondary levels, is delivered bilingually, said the reply.

Students could choose their preferred medium from Punjabi, Hindi, or English, it said.In line with its multilingual efforts, Punjab has introduced Sanskrit, French, German, and Urdu as optional subjects at the senior secondary level. To support this environment, the state developed and disseminated teaching-learning materials in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, along with translated teacher training modules and digital content to aid educators in multilingual delivery.Punjab also leveraged national digital platforms such as Diksha (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) and the PM e-Vidya initiative, under which five dedicated TV channels were approved for the state to ensure digital and online access to education for students and teachers.On assessments, the state adopted evaluations based on learning outcomes and participated in PARAKH-led national assessments such as the National Achievement Survey (NAS). The state also implemented the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) Scheme in 347 schools.In the 2025–26 financial year, the central govt allocated a total of Rs 1,656.6 crore to Punjab under two key centrally sponsored schemes—Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI—to support the implementation of NEP.Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, Punjab received an allocation of Rs 1,350.7 crore, which includes Rs 8.18 crore for teacher training and Rs 66.73 crore for digital infrastructure. This funding is aimed at enhancing access to quality education, improving learning outcomes, and integrating technology into teaching and learning across govt schools.In addition, the state was sanctioned Rs 305.9 crore under PM SHRI scheme. This allocation includes Rs 69 lakh earmarked for teacher training and Rs 200.75 crore for strengthening digital infrastructure in these model schools.