The Student Caught in the Three Language Debate

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Context

The recent Tamil Nadu-Centre tussle revolves around NEP’s three-language formula, with Tamil Nadu opposing mandatory Hindi education in state schools.

Students at the Center of the Debate

• The most affected group in the three-language policy debate is public school students, who make up about 55% of total school enrollment in Tamil Nadu.
• Unlike students in private schools who can afford coaching classes, public school students rely only on school education.
• The key question is whether learning three languages instead of two will help them compete better in the job market.

Challenges in Implementing the Three-Language Formula

• The National Education Policy (NEP) has many positive aspects but does not fully consider ground realities in public education.
• The three-language requirement is problematic because it assumes that learning an additional language improves cognitive skills and job opportunities.
• Technology, including Artificial Intelligence, is making language proficiency less critical for acquiring knowledge.
• While language skills are linked to cognitive development, research suggests that a strong foundation in the mother tongue is more beneficial before learning additional languages.

Reality of Language Learning

• A third language can help in communication, but most adults learn new languages based on professional needs.
• People from Tamil Nadu working in different states easily learn Hindi, Marathi, or other languages without formal schooling.
• The 2024 ASER survey shows that 88% of third-grade students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy skills.
• Even high-scoring students from English-medium public schools struggle in college because their English instruction at school is weak.

Focus on Quality Education Instead of Additional Languages

• The priority should be improving teaching quality and learning outcomes instead of adding another language.
• Schools have limited time to teach subjects, and education should focus more on curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
• A third language may take time away from deeper learning in essential subjects.
• Finding qualified teachers for a third language is another challenge, especially if students choose different languages.

Culture, National Unity, and Employment Opportunities

• Language plays a role in cultural values, but national unity can be promoted through respect for different cultures rather than enforcing a common language.
• Students from Tamil Nadu have successfully competed at the national level for decades, as long as English remains an official language in government services and higher education.
• Strengthening English language skills would help students access better global opportunities.

A Practical Approach

• Instead of making a third language mandatory, Hindi could be offered as an optional subject from middle school onwards.
• This could start in district headquarters and expand based on demand.
• A rigid political stance may limit students’ opportunities in the future, so a balanced approach is necessary.
• The issue should be addressed through discussions rather than conflicts that could negatively affect students’ futures.

Practice Question:  Critically analyze the impact of the three-language formula on public education in India. Discuss its implications for cognitive development, employment, and national integration. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Centring care in India’s economic policy

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Vulnerable sections

Context

The Union Budget 2025 allocated a record amount to the Gender Budget, but this increase was driven by welfare schemes rather than investments in care infrastructure. Despite the Economic Survey highlighting the importance of care work, the Budget fails to adequately address unpaid care burdens, limiting women’s workforce participation.

Increased Gender Budget Allocation

• The Union Budget 2025 allocated ₹4,49,028.68 crore to the Gender Budget (GB), marking a 37.3% increase from FY24.
• It accounts for 8.86% of the total Budget.
• However, this increase is largely due to the inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (24% of GB), not because of substantial investments in care infrastructure.
• Despite recognition in Economic Surveys 2023-24 and 2024-25, the Budget lacks investments in strengthening India’s care economy.

The Burden of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) on Women

Globally, women spend 17.8% of their time on unpaid care work, with higher burdens in the Global South. In India, women shoulder 40% more UCDW compared to South African and Chinese women. Due to care responsibilities, 53% of Indian women remain outside the labour force, compared to just 1.1% of men. Poor women face extreme time poverty, working 17–19 hours daily, balancing paid work and domestic duties.

Additional Burdens in the Global South

• Unpaid work in the Global South includes water collection, fuel gathering, farm work, and household chores.
• Due to poor infrastructure, women spend up to 73% of their time on these activities.
• Women spend five hours daily collecting water, compared to 1.5 hours for men.
• Climate change worsens this burden, with water-related unpaid labour in India projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2050.

Proposed Solutions for Reducing the Care Burden

1. Recognising Unpaid Work
   1. The 2019 Time Use Survey showed women spend seven hours daily on unpaid work.
   1. Time-use modules can be added to existing household surveys to improve policy-making.
2. Reducing the Burden
   1. Investment in time-saving technologies and affordable care infrastructure is essential.
   1. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), extended until 2028, aims for 100% potable water coverage.
   1. However, funding delays and underutilisation slow its progress.
   1. Expanding childcare centres, eldercare services, and assistive technologies would help women participate in the workforce.
3. Redistributing Care Work
   1. Shifting responsibilities from homes to the State and within households is crucial.
   1. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund can finance urban redevelopment, water, and sanitation projects.
   1. India can scale up care infrastructure models through initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
   1. Inspired by Bogotá’s Care Blocks, care services can be centralised to reduce women’s unpaid work.
4. Representation in Decision-Making
   1. Women’s participation in policy-making leads to better and more effective outcomes.
   1. Exclusion from decision-making results in policies that ignore their real-life struggles.

Conclusion

• Nari Shakti is a key driver of economic growth, but the Budget fails to prioritise care work.
• A well-funded, targeted strategy is necessary to make care work a core part of inclusive development.

PYQ: Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2018)

Practice Question:   Discuss the significance of public investment in care infrastructure for gender equity and economic growth in India. (150 Words /10 marks)

3. Entrenched patriarchal biases must be erased from society, government

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice

Context

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment highlights the need for gender-sensitive workplace policies, especially regarding maternity rights and workplace discrimination. Ensuring women’s representation in decision-making roles is crucial for addressing systemic biases and promoting workplace equality.

Need for a Supportive Work Environment

• Institutions must go beyond celebrating increased participation of women in the workforce and create an inclusive and supportive environment.
• The judiciary, like other institutions, must recognize and address the challenges women face in the workplace.

Supreme Court’s Recent Judgment

• The Supreme Court reinstated two women judicial officers who were dismissed for inefficiency, despite one suffering a miscarriage.
• The Court termed the dismissals as arbitrary and illegal, emphasizing the need for sensitive workplace policies.
• The judgment highlights the existing gender bias and the need for reforms to ensure fair treatment of women professionals.

Importance of Women’s Representation

• More women in the judiciary and government sectors can lead to better policies that address gender-specific concerns.
• Ensuring equal protection of laws during pregnancy and maternity is a fundamental right for working women.
• The psychological and physical impact of pregnancy and miscarriage must be acknowledged in workplace policies.

Addressing Deep-Rooted Patriarchy

• The intervention of the judiciary in basic issues like maternal rights shows the need for a mindset shift.
• Patriarchal systems must be reformed to create an equal and fair society.
• Women must have greater roles in decision-making to ensure their concerns are addressed in policymaking.

Steps for a Gender-Inclusive Future

• Equal access to education for girls is crucial for long-term gender equality.
• Women must be assured of a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental right.

PYQ: Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. (200 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2013)

Practice Question:  What are the key challenges faced by women in the workplace, and how can legal and institutional reforms address these issues? (150 Words /10 marks)

If you like this editorial Don’t forget to check previous one –The necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation