New Delhi, June 3: After widespread protests in southern states, the Modi government has reportedly tweaked the three-language formula proposed in a draft National Education Policy, making Hindi as optional language and not a mandatory one. Under the revised three-language formula, students will be able to choose Hindi as an optional language.

"In keeping with the principle of flexibility, students who wish to change one or more of the three languages they are studying may do so in Grade 6 or Grade 7, so long as they are able to still demonstrate proficiency in three languages...," says the revised draft. #StopHindiImposition Trends on Twitter Against Imposition of Hindi in Non-Hindi States.

A committee, headed by Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, a former chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), last week submitted a draft National Education Policy to the Modi government recommending teaching of Hindi, English and one regional language in the non-Hindi states; and Hindi, English and one modern Indian language from other parts of the country in Hindi-speaking states. Don't Impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu: DMK Leader T Siva Warns Modi Government of Protests.

The proposal led to massive protests online and in non-Hindi speaking states, mainly in Tamil Nadu with citizens terming the decision a forceful imposition of Hindi language, even as the Centre stepped in to say that there was no intention to impose any language on anyone. In Tamil Nadu, all political parties including BJP ally AIADMK spoke in one language against making Hindi as mandatory language.

However, as the controversy snowballed, the Centre had dismissed apprehensions on the issue and said it had not taken a decision on the draft education policy and had no intentions to impose any language.

"Only a report has been submitted on the new education policy. Government has not taken any decision on it. It has not even considered it and therefore the misunderstanding that the government has decided on the new education policy is not true," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told the media.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2019 11:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).