In addition to Punjabi, students are offered the option to learn in Hindi and English

Punjab Embraces Multilingual Education Under NEP 2020, Continues Focus on Mother Tongue Learning

Chandigarh: As the debate over the implementation of the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues, Punjab has proactively adopted multilingual education to promote language diversity in government schools, the Times of India reported.

According to a response from the Union Ministry of Education in the Lok Sabha to a query raised by Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi, despite this multilingual push, Punjab remains committed to mother tongue-based foundational learning, with Punjabi being the medium of instruction in the early grades, the report said.

In addition to Punjabi, students are offered the option to learn in Hindi and English, providing them exposure to both national and international languages. At the upper-primary and secondary levels, bilingual instruction is emphasized, the response noted.

Students can choose their preferred medium of instruction from Punjabi, Hindi, or English, the Ministry said.

To further its multilingual efforts, Punjab has introduced Sanskrit, French, German, and Urdu as optional subjects at the senior secondary level. To support this initiative, the state has developed and distributed teaching-learning materials in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, as well as translated teacher training modules and digital content to assist educators in delivering lessons in multiple languages.

The state has also leveraged national digital platforms like Diksha (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) and the PM e-Vidya initiative. As part of these efforts, five dedicated TV channels were approved for Punjab to provide students and teachers with digital and online access to education.

On the assessment front, Punjab has adopted evaluations based on learning outcomes and participated in national assessments such as the National Achievement Survey (NAS), led by PARAKH. Additionally, the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) Scheme was implemented in 347 schools across the state.

For the 2025–26 financial year, the central government allocated a total of Rs 1,656.6 crore to Punjab under two significant centrally sponsored schemes—Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI—to support the NEP's implementation.

Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, Punjab received Rs 1,350.7 crore, which includes Rs 8.18 crore for teacher training and Rs 66.73 crore for digital infrastructure. This funding aims to enhance access to quality education, improve learning outcomes, and integrate technology into the teaching process across government schools, according to the TOI report.

In addition, the state was allocated Rs 305.9 crore under the PM SHRI scheme. This includes Rs 69 lakh for teacher training and Rs 200.75 crore for strengthening digital infrastructure in model schools.