3 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

 1. The student and the three language debate

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Students at the Center of the Debate

• The most affected group in the three-language policy debate is public school students, who make up about 55% of total school enrollment in Tamil Nadu.
• Unlike students in private schools who can afford coaching classes, public school students rely only on school education.
• The key question is whether learning three languages instead of two will help them compete better in the job market.

Challenges in Implementing the Three-Language Formula

• The National Education Policy (NEP) has many positive aspects but does not fully consider ground realities in public education.
• The three-language requirement is problematic because it assumes that learning an additional language improves cognitive skills and job opportunities.
• Technology, including Artificial Intelligence, is making language proficiency less critical for acquiring knowledge.
• While language skills are linked to cognitive development, research suggests that a strong foundation in the mother tongue is more beneficial before learning additional languages.

Reality of Language Learning

• A third language can help in communication, but most adults learn new languages based on professional needs.
• People from Tamil Nadu working in different states easily learn Hindi, Marathi, or other languages without formal schooling.
• The 2024 ASER survey shows that 88% of third-grade students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy skills.
• Even high-scoring students from English-medium public schools struggle in college because their English instruction at school is weak.

Focus on Quality Education Instead of Additional Languages

• The priority should be improving teaching quality and learning outcomes instead of adding another language.
• Schools have limited time to teach subjects, and education should focus more on curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
• A third language may take time away from deeper learning in essential subjects.
• Finding qualified teachers for a third language is another challenge, especially if students choose different languages.

Culture, National Unity, and Employment Opportunities

• Language plays a role in cultural values, but national unity can be promoted through respect for different cultures rather than enforcing a common language.
• Students from Tamil Nadu have successfully competed at the national level for decades, as long as English remains an official language in government services and higher education.
• Strengthening English language skills would help students access better global opportunities.

A Practical Approach

• Instead of making a third language mandatory, Hindi could be offered as an optional subject from middle school onwards.
• This could start in district headquarters and expand based on demand.
• A rigid political stance may limit students’ opportunities in the future, so a balanced approach is necessary.
• The issue should be addressed through discussions rather than conflicts that could negatively affect students’ futures. 

2. Centring care in India’s economic policy

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Increased Gender Budget Allocation

• The Union Budget 2025 allocated ₹4,49,028.68 crore to the Gender Budget (GB), marking a 37.3% increase from FY24.
• It accounts for 8.86% of the total Budget.
• However, this increase is largely due to the inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (24% of GB), not because of substantial investments in care infrastructure.
• Despite recognition in Economic Surveys 2023-24 and 2024-25, the Budget lacks investments in strengthening India’s care economy.

Additional Burdens in the Global South

• Unpaid work in the Global South includes water collection, fuel gathering, farm work, and household chores.
• Due to poor infrastructure, women spend up to 73% of their time on these activities.
• Women spend five hours daily collecting water, compared to 1.5 hours for men.
• Climate change worsens this burden, with water-related unpaid labour in India projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2050.

Proposed Solutions for Reducing the Care Burden

1. Recognising Unpaid Work
   • The 2019 Time Use Survey showed women spend seven hours daily on unpaid work.
   • Time-use modules can be added to existing household surveys to improve policy-making.
2. Reducing the Burden
   • Investment in time-saving technologies and affordable care infrastructure is essential.
   • The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), extended until 2028, aims for 100% potable water coverage.
   • However, funding delays and underutilisation slow its progress.
   • Expanding childcare centres, eldercare services, and assistive technologies would help women participate in the workforce.
3. Redistributing Care Work
   • Shifting responsibilities from homes to the State and within households is crucial.
   • The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund can finance urban redevelopment, water, and sanitation projects.
   • India can scale up care infrastructure models through initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
   • Inspired by Bogotá’s Care Blocks, care services can be centralised to reduce women’s unpaid work.
4. Representation in Decision-Making
   • Women’s participation in policy-making leads to better and more effective outcomes.
   • Exclusion from decision-making results in policies that ignore their real-life struggles.

Conclusion

• Nari Shakti is a key driver of economic growth, but the Budget fails to prioritise care work.
• A well-funded, targeted strategy is necessary to make care work a core part of inclusive development. 

3. Entrenched patriarchal biases must be erased from society, government

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Need for a Supportive Work Environment

• Institutions must go beyond celebrating increased participation of women in the workforce and create an inclusive and supportive environment.
• The judiciary, like other institutions, must recognize and address the challenges women face in the workplace.

Supreme Court’s Recent Judgment

• The Supreme Court reinstated two women judicial officers who were dismissed for inefficiency, despite one suffering a miscarriage.
• The Court termed the dismissals as arbitrary and illegal, emphasizing the need for sensitive workplace policies.
• The judgment highlights the existing gender bias and the need for reforms to ensure fair treatment of women professionals.

Importance of Women’s Representation

• More women in the judiciary and government sectors can lead to better policies that address gender-specific concerns.
• Ensuring equal protection of laws during pregnancy and maternity is a fundamental right for working women.
• The psychological and physical impact of pregnancy and miscarriage must be acknowledged in workplace policies.

Addressing Deep-Rooted Patriarchy

• The intervention of the judiciary in basic issues like maternal rights shows the need for a mindset shift.
• Patriarchal systems must be reformed to create an equal and fair society.
• Women must have greater roles in decision-making to ensure their concerns are addressed in policymaking.

Steps for a Gender-Inclusive Future

• Equal access to education for girls is crucial for long-term gender equality.
• Women must be assured of a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental right. 

Read more – 1 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis