October 20, 2022, New Delhi – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to make full-time undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses available in 12 different Indian regional languages. The translation work is currently in progress, and the newly translated study material for these courses will be available from the academic session of 2024.
Previously, the Indian Government has implemented changes in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) by introducing multiple regional languages to different courses of the respective domains.
Now, the government has decided to implement the same for the courses such as – Bachelor of Law (LLB), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Nursing (B.Nurs.) and others to provide a better learning environment and opportunities for students belonging to different language backgrounds.
Mr. Chamu Krishna Sashtri, Chairman of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (a high-powered committee for the promotion of Indian languages, under the Ministry of Education) is optimistic about translating the textbooks of most of the courses. This translation work will be done in two phases.
UG and PG Courses – First Phase of Translation
- The first phase of translation is planned for the next 1.5 to 2 years.
- It will focus on translating the textbooks of the relevant courses in 12 regional languages.
UG and PG Courses – 12 Regional Languages
Initially, the government declared to convert the course syllabus of UG and PG into 12 major regional languages. The list of languages is given below:
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Assamese
- Gujarati
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Malayalam
- Kannada
- Marathi
- Oriya
- Urdu
- Punjabi
UG and PG Courses – Second Phase of Translation
- The second phase is planned to be initiated in the next 10 years.
- The Indian Government is planning to add more 10 regional languages in the next course of years.
- National Education Policy (NEP 2020) has recommended taking this initiative.
The other 10 regional languages that are yet to be included in the translation work are mentioned below:
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Manipuri
- Maithili
- Nepali
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Sanskrit
- Santali
- Sindhi
UG and PG Courses – Reasons of Translating Courses in Regional Languages
- One of the reasons to translate aforementioned courses in regional languages is following a newly introduced norm by the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). The norm seeks to empower students with the right of studying in their preferred languages.
- The translation for undergraduate and postgraduate courses so that non-Hindi and English-speaking students can make a choice from their listed preferred regional languages.
- According to the sources, most of the students in the country are not fluent in the English language, and this has become a roadblock for them to pursue UG and PG courses. To increase the inclusion of such students in the said courses, UGC has decided to introduce the courses in 22 regional languages.
Note: Though the translation activities have been planned for all the domains, starting from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to other disciplines, Hindi and English will be the popular languages to be used.
UG and PG Courses – Benefits of Translating Courses in Regional Languages
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has planned to translate several UG and PG courses to benefit students belonging to different language backgrounds to remove the language barrier and give them equal opportunities in higher education.
- UGC has also considered that studying in regional languages will offer better learning outcomes and students will be empowered to pursue higher education in any field of their choice where the English language will not be a barrier.
- The sources also stated that almost 60% of students are from remote states of the country and are not proficient in the English language. Introducing courses in their native language will enable them to move forward in their higher education journey.
- Courses in regional languages might also help in reducing the number of dropouts in several courses.
UG and PG Courses – Disadvantages of Translation
- Some of the educationists have raised concerns about the translation of textbooks for courses like Bachelor of Management (BMGT), BTech, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and others. Translating the textbooks in different regional languages will only cater to a small number of students.
- It might be challenging for students to opt for global careers in their respective fields if they are not focusing on the English language with equal importance simultaneously.
UG and PG Courses – List of Universities to Implement Translation
The Indian Government has notified more than 200 universities to implement the changes in different undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Some of the names of the universities are listed below:
- Delhi University (DU)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Medical University of Tamil Nadu (TNMGRMU)
- Bengaluru North University (BNU)
- Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the courses be available in the regional languages?
The courses will be available in the regional languages from the academic session of 2024.
Who has decided to translate the PG and UG courses in different regional languages?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) by the instructions of the Government of India has decided to translate PG and UG courses in 12 different Indian regional languages.
Is Nepali included in the list of regional languages that are planned to be included in the translation plan of PG and UG courses?
Yes, Nepali is included in the second phase of the translation plan for PG and UG courses, which is due in the next 10 years. Currently, the translation team is working on the first phase of translation.
