Real challenge for three-language formula is in Hindi belt, not South India

Experts also say acquiring a language through natural communication at the nascent stage works better than classroom learning, and point to the Draft NEP 2019's confusion between these two methods

With the 'Hindi imposition' row having died down for now, the three-language formula (TLF) could face its real test in Hindi-speaking states and over the manner in which the Draft National Education Policy 2019 recommends its implementation.

After a proposal that was seen as being intended to make Hindi mandatory in schools in non-Hindi speaking states sparked outrage, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) had last week revised the Draft NEP 2019, which no longer has a mention of the language being made compulsory. Both the Centre and former Isro chief K Kasturirangan, who heads the panel on the Draft