The Chhattisgarh government will soon integrate local languages and dialects into primary education in tribal areas, following the National Education Policy (NEP), according to an official statement on Sunday.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has instructed the education department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages and dialects as part of this initiative.

The goal is to enhance educational access and quality in tribal communities, allowing children to learn in their mother tongue and stay connected to their culture.

This initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s vision to make education more inclusive and accessible by using native languages.

During the ‘Shala Pravesh Utsav’ (school admission fest) on July 5, CM Sai announced that textbooks and teaching materials would be translated into local dialects, and teachers would receive training in these languages.

School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi stated that books for school children are being prepared in 18 local languages and dialects.

“In the first phase, courses will be developed in Chhattisgarhi, Sargujiha, Halbi, Sadari, Gondi, and Kudukh, with assistance from local writers, folk artists, compilers, senior citizens, and teachers,” Pardeshi said.

Dinesh Sharma, Principal of High School Bagia, praised the initiative, stating that educating tribal children in their local dialects will give more children in tribal areas a chance to excel.

Under the three-language formula of NEP 2020, every student in India should learn three languages: two native Indian languages (including one regional language) and English.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had made a similar announcement in January 2020.

Source: PTI

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