In a significant move, the Telangana government has made Telugu a compulsory subject in all schools across the state, including those affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, IB, and state boards, starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This decision applies to classes 1 through 10. To accommodate students from non-Telugu speaking backgrounds, schools are allowed to offer a “simpler Telugu” curriculum.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has approved the use of the ‘Simple Telugu’ textbook, titled ‘Vennela,’ for exams in classes 9 and 10. This initiative aims to enhance language learning for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The move is part of the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act, enacted in 2018, which seeks to promote the teaching of Telugu in government and private schools across the state.
Implementation Details
The implementation of the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act marks a significant step forward in promoting regional language education. The ‘Simple Telugu’ textbook, ‘Vennela,’ is designed to be more accessible for students whose mother tongue is not Telugu and those from other states. This approach is expected to facilitate a smoother learning experience for these students by reducing the complexity of the language, making it easier for them to grasp the basics.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the importance of making Telugu learning more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can appreciate and learn the language without feeling overwhelmed. The government has also held meetings with school managements to ensure the effective execution of this policy, addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise during its implementation.
Background and Context
The Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act was introduced in 2018 to promote the teaching of Telugu in government and private schools across the state. Despite its enactment, the previous government did not fully implement the act due to various reasons, including logistical challenges and concerns about its impact on students from non-Telugu speaking backgrounds.
The current Congress government has now taken concrete steps to ensure its enforcement, reflecting a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting regional languages in educational institutions. This move aligns with broader efforts across India to strengthen regional language education, recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering cultural identity and national unity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian acknowledges the Telangana government’s initiative as a significant step toward strengthening regional language education. By making Telugu compulsory while introducing a simplified curriculum for non-native speakers, the state is fostering linguistic inclusivity and cultural preservation.
Ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can engage with the language without feeling overwhelmed is a progressive approach that could set a precedent for other states. However, as India continues to emphasize linguistic diversity, it remains essential to strike a balance between regional language education and the need for national and global language proficiency.
As we move forward with such initiatives, it is crucial to consider how they can be replicated in other states to promote harmony and linguistic coexistence. What do you think about the potential impact of compulsory regional language education on national unity and cultural diversity? How can such initiatives be balanced with the need for a common national language, ensuring that students remain competitive in a global context while preserving their cultural heritage?
