In Telangana, the decision to convert all Telugu medium schools into English medium schools has raised significant legal and cultural questions. With education as a subject on the concurrent list of India’s Constitution, both state and central governments have the authority to formulate education policies. However, the state’s power to enact policies that may contradict central mandates, especially without stakeholder consultation, is under scrutiny.
The recent actions in Telangana follow a trend previously seen in Andhra Pradesh, where state policies have increasingly prioritized English medium education in government schools, raising concerns about the preservation of local language and culture. At the heart of the debate is whether a government order (GO) alone suffices to make such a sweeping change and whether it aligns with legal and cultural obligations.
Education Policy and Legal Authority
According to legal experts, both central and state governments can legislate on education, yet questions arise about the state’s autonomy to bypass central policies. The Union Education Ministry asserts that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was established after a six-year consultation process involving over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, 6,600 Blocks, and 676 districts, among other stakeholders. This extensive groundwork provided NEP-2020 with a strong democratic foundation.
In contrast, the Telangana government’s decision to shift all Telugu medium schools to English lacks comparable consultation. This lack of stakeholder involvement has raised concerns, with critics questioning if the state can make unilateral changes in areas of shared jurisdiction without adequate consensus.
Cultural Obligations and International Conventions
Apart from legal concerns, cultural preservation is a major factor. India is a signatory to two key international conventions—the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. By ratifying these, India committed to protecting its diverse cultural heritage, including languages, which carry intangible knowledge and expressions.
Telugu, recognized as a classical language with a history spanning 3,000 years, is deeply embedded in the culture of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Shifting all Telugu medium schools to English risks diminishing the language’s role in education, potentially sidelining it as an educational medium. Critics argue that this shift could conflict with India’s international obligations to safeguard cultural diversity and promote linguistic heritage.
Balancing Progress with Preservation
While proponents argue that English-medium education opens up global opportunities for students, detractors fear it may come at the expense of local language and heritage. The conversion has ignited a debate on whether educational advancement should necessitate abandoning local languages in favor of English or if a balanced approach, preserving Telugu’s educational role, is possible.
Telangana’s shift from Telugu to English medium schooling touches on sensitive issues of identity, culture, and governance. The ongoing debate underscores the need for careful policy formulation that respects both national and international obligations and considers the voices of local stakeholders in shaping the future of education.
