Mandating Mother Tongue In Schools A Welcome Step

The government’s decision to mandate mother tongue and home language as the primary medium of instruction in early years is a welcome and long-overdue step. For decades, young children in Jammu and Kashmir have been pushed into classrooms where the language of instruction was often unfamiliar. They struggled to understand basic concepts. They fell behind. Many lost confidence. This circular from SCERT-J&K, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, finally corrects that flaw. Research has consistently shown that children learn best when taught in a language they speak at home. When a child enters school and hears an alien tongue, fear replaces curiosity. Comprehension suffers. Dropout rates rise. By using the mother tongue as the primary medium in the early years, the government is not weakening English or any other language. It is building a strong foundation. A child who learns concepts clearly in their home language can later transition smoothly to additional languages. But a child who never understands anything will never learn anything at all. The circular also focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy. It says that by the end of Grade II, every child should read age-appropriate text with fluency, demonstrate comprehension, and retell stories sequentially. This is a measurable and achievable goal. The emphasis on play-based literacy approaches, daily phonological awareness activities, and print-rich classrooms will make learning joyful rather than stressful. The prohibition of formal written examinations at the preschool level is another excellent move. Young children should not be burdened with exams. They should be encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. The mathematics instruction guidelines are equally thoughtful. Conceptual understanding through experiential and activity-based learning, using concrete materials and real-life contexts, will help children understand numbers and operations without fear. This is a historic step for Jammu and Kashmir. This circular levels the playing field. It respects the linguistic diversity of the region. It understands that a child’s mother tongue is not a barrier to learning but a bridge. Every child deserves to learn in a language they understand. Every child deserves to enter school with curiosity, not fear. The government has shown vision. Now, schools, teachers, and parents must implement this policy with sincerity. The future of our children depends on it.