In a move to strengthen multilingual education in Indian schools, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the availability of entry-level primers in 52 mother tongues and local languages. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022, which emphasize the importance of children learning in their native languages.
The primers, developed collaboratively by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Indian Institute of Languages (IIL), are designed to equip students with strong foundational language skills from a young age. This is particularly beneficial for students whose mother tongue or local language differs from the primary language of instruction in their schools.
“These primers aim to aid students in acquiring and mastering language skills early on,” the CBSE circular states. They are available digitally for free, allowing schools to easily access and incorporate them into their curriculum.
The CBSE encourages schools to promote the use of these primers among teachers and students. This will not only strengthen their native language skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for India’s rich linguistic diversity.
This initiative by the CBSE is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the National Education Policy, which promotes multilingualism and acknowledges the importance of mother tongue education for holistic student development.
Check Here the Official Circular Released by CBSE