The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 3rd March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The Student and the Three Language Debate

Why in News?

The ongoing conflict between Tamil Nadu and the Central government centers on the National Education Policy (NEP) three-language formula. Tamil Nadu strongly opposes the compulsory teaching of Hindi in state schools as part of this policy.

Students at the Center of the Debate

• Public school students are the most impacted by the three-language policy debate, constituting approximately 55% of total school enrollment in Tamil Nadu.
• Unlike private school students who can afford extra coaching, public school students rely solely on their school education.
• The crucial question is whether learning three languages instead of two will enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

Challenges in Implementing the Three-Language Formula

• While the National Education Policy (NEP) has several positive aspects, it does not fully take into account the ground realities of public education.
• The three-language requirement is contentious because it presumes that learning an extra language boosts cognitive abilities and job prospects.
• Technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence, are diminishing the necessity of language proficiency for knowledge acquisition.
• Although language skills are associated with cognitive development, studies indicate that a robust foundation in the mother tongue is more advantageous prior to learning additional languages.

Reality of Language Learning

• Acquiring a third language can aid communication, but most adults learn new languages driven by professional requirements.
• Individuals from Tamil Nadu working in various states often pick up Hindi, Marathi, or other languages without formal education in those languages.
• The 2024 ASER survey reveals that 88% of third-grade students in Tamil Nadu lack fundamental literacy skills.
• Even high-achieving students from English-medium public schools face challenges in college due to inadequate English instruction in their schools.

Focus on Quality Education Instead of Additional Languages

• The emphasis should be on enhancing teaching quality and learning outcomes rather than introducing an additional language.
• Schools have limited time to cover subjects, and education should prioritize fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
• Introducing a third language may divert time from in-depth learning of crucial subjects.
• Finding qualified teachers for a third language poses a challenge, especially if students opt for different languages.

Culture, National Unity, and Employment Opportunities

• Language contributes to cultural values, but national unity can be fostered through respect for diverse cultures rather than imposing a common language.
• Students from Tamil Nadu have effectively competed at the national level for many years, provided that English remains an official language in government services and higher education.
• Enhancing English language proficiency would enable students to access better global opportunities.

A Practical Approach

• Instead of making a third language compulsory, Hindi could be offered as an optional subject starting from middle school.
• This approach could commence in district headquarters and expand based on demand.
• A rigid political stance may restrict students’ future opportunities, necessitating a balanced approach.
• The issue should be resolved through constructive discussions rather than conflicts that could adversely impact students’ futures.

Centring care in India’s economic policy

Why is it News?

• In the Union Budget 2025, there was a significant increase in the allocation for the Gender Budget, reaching a record high. However, this increase was primarily due to welfare schemes rather than meaningful investments in care infrastructure.
• Despite the Economic Survey emphasizing the importance of care work, the Budget fell short in addressing unpaid care burdens adequately. This oversight restricts women’s participation in the workforce.

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.
• This allocation represents 8.86% of the total Budget.
• However, the increase is largely attributed to the inclusion of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (24% of GB) rather than significant investments in care infrastructure.
• Despite recognition in the Economic Surveys of 2023-24 and 2024-25, the Budget does not adequately invest in strengthening India’s care economy.

The Burden of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) on Women

• Globally, women spend 17.8% of their time on unpaid care work, with even higher burdens in the Global South.
• In India, women bear 40% more UCDW compared to their counterparts in South Africa and China.
• Care responsibilities contribute to 53% of Indian women being outside the labour force, while only 1.1% of men face this issue.
• Poor women experience extreme time poverty, working 17–19 hours daily to balance paid work and domestic duties.

Additional Burdens in the Global South

• Unpaid work in the Global South encompasses activities such as water collection, fuel gathering, farm work, and household chores.
• Due to inadequate infrastructure, women spend up to 73% of their time on these tasks.
• On average, women spend five hours daily collecting water, while men spend only 1.5 hours on this activity.
• Climate change exacerbates this burden, with projections indicating that water-related unpaid labour in India could reach $1.4 billion by 2050.

Proposed Solutions for Reducing the Care Burden

Recognising Unpaid Work

• The 2019 Time Use Survey highlighted that women spend an average of seven hours daily on unpaid work.
• To enhance policy-making, time-use modules can be incorporated into existing household surveys.

Reducing the Burden

• Investment in time-saving technologies and affordable care infrastructure is crucial.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), extended until 2028, aims for 100% potable water coverage.
• However, progress is hindered by funding delays and underutilisation.
• Expanding childcare centres, eldercare services, and assistive technologies is essential to facilitate women’s workforce participation.

Redistributing Care Work

• It is vital to shift care responsibilities from households to the State and redistribute tasks within households.
• The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund can support urban redevelopment, water, and sanitation projects.
• India can enhance care infrastructure models through initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
• Inspired by Bogotá’s Care Blocks, centralising care services can significantly reduce women’s unpaid work.

Representation in Decision-Making

• Women’s involvement in policy-making leads to more effective and relevant outcomes.
• Exclusion from decision-making processes often results in policies that overlook women’s real-life challenges.

Conclusion

• Nari Shakti plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, but the Budget does not prioritise care work adequately.
• A well-funded and targeted strategy is necessary to integrate care work into the core of inclusive development.

Entrenched patriarchal biases must be erased from society, government

• The recent ruling by the Supreme Court emphasizes the necessity for workplace policies that are sensitive to gender issues, particularly concerning maternity rights and discrimination in the workplace.
• It is vital to ensure that women are represented in decision-making positions to tackle systemic biases and foster equality in the workplace.

Need for a Supportive Work Environment

• Institutions should not only celebrate the increased participation of women in the workforce but also work towards creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
• The judiciary, along with other institutions, needs to acknowledge and address the challenges that women encounter in the workplace.

Supreme Court’s Recent Judgment

• The Supreme Court has reinstated two women judicial officers who were dismissed on grounds of inefficiency, despite one of them having suffered a miscarriage.
• The Court found the dismissals to be arbitrary and illegal, highlighting the necessity for sensitive workplace policies.
• This judgment underscores the prevalent gender bias and the urgent need for reforms to ensure equitable treatment of women professionals.

Importance of Women’s Representation

• Increasing the number of women in the judiciary and government sectors can lead to the formulation of better policies that address gender-specific issues.
• Ensuring equal protection under the law during pregnancy and maternity is a fundamental right for working women.
• Workplace policies must recognize the psychological and physical effects of pregnancy and miscarriage.

Addressing Deep-Rooted Patriarchy

• The judiciary's involvement in fundamental matters such as maternal rights indicates the need for a shift in mindset.
• Patriarchal systems require reform to establish a fair and equal society.
• Women should be given greater roles in decision-making to ensure that their concerns are reflected in policymaking.

Steps for a Gender-Inclusive Future

• Providing equal access to education for girls is essential for achieving long-term gender equality.
• Women should be guaranteed a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental right.