Correct option is C
Explanation:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced several progressive measures to reform the Indian education system. One of the most prominent principles of the NEP is the promotion of multilingualism and the importance of local languages in the educational framework. The statement that "English language should be the only medium of instruction at elementary level" is incorrect because the policy emphasizes mother tongue or local languages as the primary medium of instruction, particularly at the early school levels.
The NEP 2020 stresses that education should be imparted in the child’s mother tongue or regional language for the foundational years of schooling, which would help improve cognitive development and conceptual understanding. Thus, option (3) contradicts the core recommendation of NEP 2020.
Information Booster:
NEP 2020 is a comprehensive policy document that aims to address the challenges of the Indian education system. It emphasizes the importance of language in education, with particular emphasis on multilingualism and fostering students' connections with their cultural and linguistic heritage.
Three-language formula: The policy advocates the implementation of a three-language formula where students are expected to learn three languages, including the mother tongue, one regional language, and English. This formula is intended to ensure that students are proficient in multiple languages, making them globally competitive while preserving their cultural roots.
The policy suggests that teaching in the local language should be emphasized wherever feasible, as it would help students grasp the subject matter with greater clarity and ease. The three-language formula is particularly beneficial in ensuring linguistic diversity and cultural inclusivity across the country.
The policy also recommends early education in Indian languages by creating high-quality learning resources and print material in local languages, thus making education more accessible to all regions.
The NEP does not prioritize English as the sole medium of instruction, instead recognizing that local languages and mother tongue are vital for a strong educational foundation, especially at the elementary and foundational levels.