Namma Naadu Namma Aalvike Leads Charge Against Three-Language Policy in Karnataka

BM TEAM

Bengaluru: July 20 | A growing grassroots movement led by the citizens’ forum Namma Naadu Namma Aalvike (NNNA) is calling on the Karnataka government to scrap the existing three-language policy in schools and adopt a streamlined two-language system featuring only Kannada and English. The campaign, which has garnered support from over 51,000 signatories, claims the current policy places undue academic pressure on students and contributes to rising dropout rates—particularly in rural areas.

In a formal petition submitted to state authorities, NNNA stated:

“We, the undersigned, representing the people of Karnataka under Namma Naadu, Namma Aalvike (NNNA), firmly oppose the three-language policy in schools. We demand a two-language policy, in which only Kannada and English are mandatory languages in school education.”

The forum argues that forcing students to learn a third language—typically Hindi—has led to significant academic challenges. According to NNNA, more than 90,000 students failed Hindi in the Class 10 (SSLC) board exams in 2024 alone. The group points to these numbers as evidence that the current system is failing students.

NNNA also draws attention to successful education models in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, where only two languages are compulsory in the curriculum. “If these states can operate effectively with a two-language policy, there’s no justification for Karnataka to continue with an outdated three-language structure,” the petition asserts.

The group emphasizes the importance of Kannada as the cultural and linguistic backbone of the state while underscoring the necessity of a strong foundation in English to ensure global competitiveness. The mandatory inclusion of a third language, they argue, spreads resources thin and compromises the quality of education in both Kannada and English.

“A third language unnecessarily increases students’ academic burden, making learning more stressful and less effective. If the third language is removed, students can dedicate more time and attention to the remaining subjects, which will help them achieve better results,” the petition reads.

NNNA is demanding that the government immediately withdraw the three-language mandate and implement a uniform two-language system across both government and private schools. The forum also calls for strengthened support for Kannada-medium schools alongside a renewed focus on delivering high-quality English education.

Over the last eight months, NNNA has been actively mobilizing public opinion through awareness campaigns, including a massive bike rally in Bengaluru on November 1, 2024, where more than 27,000 participants joined in solidarity. The campaign has included public meetings, social media outreach, and school-based consultations to build momentum.

With mounting support and increasing pressure, NNNA is urging the Karnataka government to take swift and decisive action. The group argues that a two-language policy is not just about academic reform—it’s about reducing student stress, improving learning outcomes, and safeguarding Karnataka’s linguistic identity for future generations.