The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a significant step towards promoting regional languages in education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that CBSE schools will now include Odia and other regional languages as a medium of instruction. The decision is in line with the new National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) which emphasizes the importance of learning in one’s mother tongue. The circular issued by CBSE allows for the teaching of 22 regional languages, including Odia, from standard I to XII in their schools. Until now, CBSE schools had only English and Hindi as mediums of instruction. With the inclusion of regional languages, students will have the opportunity to learn in their local language, making the learning process more accessible and efficient.

The move aims to align the education system with NEP 2020 and provide clarity in subjects through learning in mother tongues. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been tasked with preparing textbooks in regional languages, and arrangements are being made to conduct examinations and impart education in these languages. This decision is expected to empower students and foster cultural diversity while ensuring a deeper understanding of subjects through familiar languages. The provision will also cater to students in Odisha, enabling them to study in their native language, Odia.