UGC Launches Initiative to Promote Multilingualism in Indian Universities
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all higher education institutions (HEIs) across India to implement the 'Learn One More Bharatiya Bhasha' initiative, aimed at fostering multilingualism and cultural integration. The initiative, launched by the UGC secretary Prof Manish R Joshi on December 2, encourages students and faculty members to learn an additional Indian language, particularly from a different state or region. The directive comes at a time when language policies have been a subject of controversy in several states. However, the UGC's initiative is seen as a step towards promoting national unity and inclusive development, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The initiative, which targets students, teachers, staff, and community members aged 16 and above, mandates HEIs to offer structured courses in Indian languages, including basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. The courses will focus on speaking, reading, and writing skills, and will be offered online or in-person, depending on the institution. The UGC has outlined incentives for stakeholders, including proficiency-linked credits, recognition titles, digital badges, and placement benefits. The initiative also aims to promote cultural understanding, enhance employability, and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Linguists have welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to strengthen national and social integration, enhance cultural awareness, and bridge identity-based divides. Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra, a linguist from Odisha, said, "Learning an additional Indian language strengthens national and social integration in a multilingual country like India. It helps people understand each other better, appreciate the beauty of regional diversity, and overcome identity-based divides.
