The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Rajasthan government to formulate a comprehensive policy for the incorporation of the Rajasthani language across the state's educational framework, spanning primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. The order was issued by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta while hearing a petition filed by Padam Mehta and others.
The apex court observed that the Rajasthani language carries immense historical, literary, and cultural significance and has already found recognition in several universities and higher educational institutions. The bench directed the state to take concrete policy measures for the introduction and inculcation of the language in consonance with the constitutional framework. The court ordered that compliance with its directions be reported to it on or before September 30.
Background of the Petition
The proceedings arose from a Special Leave Petition filed by Padam Mehta and others seeking inclusion of the Rajasthani language in the educational framework and in the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET). The petitioners quoted Article 350-A of the Constitution, Section 29(2)(f) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which advocate education in the mother tongue as far as practicable.
Appearing for petitioner Mehta, senior advocate Manish Singhvi argued that Rajasthani is spoken by crores of people and possesses a rich literary and cultural heritage. Yet, it has not been included either in REET or as a medium of instruction, despite recognition of other regional languages. The petitioners pointed out that the Rajasthan Assembly had passed a resolution on August 25, 2003, recommending the inclusion of Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Government's Response
Representing the state, Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma submitted that the issue involves a policy decision and that the government would take an appropriate decision at the right time. He stated, “The government has never opposed the inclusion of the Rajasthani language in the educational system.” However, Sharma argued that Rajasthani is currently not part of the sanctioned curriculum framework for primary and upper primary schools, and therefore has not been incorporated in REET. He also informed the court that under the NEP 2020, task forces have already been constituted for the implementation of provisions relating to mother tongue education and multilingual learning.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan government to submit a compliance report on or before September 30, detailing the policy measures taken for the inclusion of Rajasthani in education. The court's order underscores the constitutional and cultural importance of promoting regional languages in the educational system.
