EducationPolicy – Supreme Court Pushes Rajasthan to Expand Rajasthani Language Education
EducationPolicy – The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government to take firm and practical measures to introduce the Rajasthani language as a subject across schools in the state. The direction came during the hearing of a petition seeking wider access to education in the regional language and its inclusion in teacher eligibility examinations.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta. The court observed that the state government should move toward a structured policy that supports mother-tongue education in line with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Court Emphasises Mother-Tongue Learning
During the proceedings, the bench highlighted the importance of regional languages in the educational system. The judges noted that students benefit academically and socially when learning is connected to their native language during the early stages of education.
The court stated that the Rajasthan government should prepare a detailed and practical framework to ensure that Rajasthani receives recognition as an important regional and local language within the school curriculum. According to the bench, such steps would strengthen the implementation of mother-tongue-based education promoted under the national policy.
Petition Raised Concerns Over Language Representation
The petition before the court demanded that students should have the option to study in the Rajasthani medium. It also requested the inclusion of the language in the syllabus of the Rajasthan Teacher Eligibility Test (REET), arguing that teachers trained in the regional language are necessary for effective implementation in classrooms.
The petitioner reportedly argued that despite the cultural and historical significance of Rajasthani, students have limited opportunities to formally study the language in schools. The plea also pointed to the growing need to preserve regional linguistic identity through institutional support.
National Education Policy Referenced
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, the Supreme Court said regional and local languages should be given due importance in school education. The policy encourages teaching in the mother tongue, especially during foundational learning years, to improve understanding and participation among students.
The bench observed that the spirit of the policy would be better served if states actively promote local languages through academic planning and teacher training systems. The court’s remarks indicate that language preservation and educational accessibility are closely connected.
State Government Asked to Respond
The Rajasthan government has now been directed to consider appropriate policy measures regarding the inclusion of Rajasthani in schools. The court did not issue a final ruling on the broader demands raised in the petition but asked the state to take meaningful action on the issue.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for September. During the upcoming proceedings, the court is expected to review the steps taken by the state government and examine whether progress has been made toward introducing the language more widely in educational institutions.
The development has drawn attention from language activists and education experts, many of whom believe that regional languages require stronger institutional support to remain relevant in modern education systems.