Karnataka Education Panel Supports Two-Language Policy in Schools

In a key recommendation that may shape the future of language learning in the state, the Karnataka State Education Policy (SEP) panel has suggested adopting a two-language policy in schools instead of the three-language model promoted by the National Education Policy (NEP). As per the proposal, students in Karnataka schools would learn Kannada as the

I’m writing about this topic because language education is a deeply personal and political issue in India, especially in linguistically diverse states like Karnataka. The recommendation is likely to trigger debates around cultural identity, practicality, student burden, and alignment with national policy. For students and parents, this shift could reduce academic pressure while strengthening regional language proficiency. On the other hand, it raises concerns about exposure to languages like Hindi, especially for those aiming to pursue central services or migrate outside the state. The conversation is important because language decisions shape not only learning but also future career mobility, national integration, and social equity.

What Is the Current Language Model?

Under the current structure influenced by the NEP 2020, most schools across India are expected to follow the three-language formula, which includes:

A regional language (Kannada, in Karnataka)
Hindi or English
One additional modern Indian or foreign language

Karnataka has traditionally followed this, but many schools – particularly private ones – treat English as a primary medium and often push Hindi or other second languages, sometimes marginalising Kannada.

What Does the New Proposal Say?

The SEP panel’s recommendation is straightforward:

Kannada should be compulsory as the first language in all schools.
Students can then choose any second language — it could be English, Hindi, or another.
No third language will be mandatory.

This model focuses on preserving Kannada while giving students flexibility without overloading their academic schedules.

Why This Change Is Being Proposed

The panel, headed by educationists and academic experts, believes the two-language policy has several benefits:

Reduces pressure on students who struggle to cope with three languages
Strengthens Kannada as a cultural and administrative language within the state
Simplifies implementation for schools and teachers
Promotes choice and flexibility for learners

The panel also observed that in practice, many students treat the third language as a “non-serious” subject, studied just for marks rather than genuine understanding.

Political and Cultural Context

Language policy in Karnataka has always been sensitive. With a strong Kannada movement and past opposition to the forced imposition of Hindi, the new two-language policy aligns with local sentiments. It also reflects a broader shift where states want more control over their education frameworks rather than following centrally dictated models.

However, there could be pushback from central agencies or those advocating for a uniform NEP across the country.

What This Means for Students and Schools

If this recommendation is implemented:

Government and private schools will need to restructure their language syllabus
Teacher training will need updates, especially if more students opt for non-Hindi languages
Students in border districts or migrant communities may need special support for Kannada if it’s not their home language

It will also affect how entrance exams or central assessments that include language skills are handled.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.