Source: The Hindu | Date: 27 June 2026 Why in News? The Government of India has clarified that students studying in Classes VII, VIII and IX in CBSE-affiliated schools who are currently learning a foreign language under the Three-Language Formula can continue studying it until they complete Class X. This clarification ensures that ongoing students are not forced to change their language midway due to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Background India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with 22 Scheduled Languages, hundreds of regional languages, and thousands of dialects. To balance national integration with linguistic diversity, the Three-Language Formula was introduced. The policy seeks to promote multilingualism while preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage and ensuring that students acquire proficiency in more than one language. Evolution of the Three-Language Formula Year Development 1964–66 Recommended by the Kothari Commission 1968 Adopted under the National Policy on Education (NPE 1968) 1986 Reaffirmed in the National Policy on Education 1992 Continued under the revised NPE 2020 Reinforced through the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) 2026 Government clarified transition arrangements for CBSE students already studying foreign languages What is the Three-Language Formula? The Three-Language Formula is an educational policy under which students study three languages during school education. According to NEP 2020: Objectives of the Three-Language Formula 1. Promotion of Multilingualism 2. National Integration 3. Preservation of Indian Languages 4. Cognitive Development Research indicates that multilingual education helps students develop: 5. Employment and Mobility Knowledge of multiple languages: Constitutional Provisions Article 29 Protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities, including the right to conserve language and culture. Article 350A Directs States to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage. Article 351 Directs the Union to promote the development of Hindi while enriching it by drawing vocabulary from other Indian languages. Significance of the Policy Educational Significance Cultural Significance Economic Significance Challenges in Implementation 1. Language Imposition Debate Several states, particularly in southern India, have expressed concerns that the policy may indirectly promote Hindi at the expense of regional languages. 2. Federal Concerns Education is a subject in the Concurrent List, and states seek greater autonomy in deciding their language policies. 3. Shortage of Teachers Many schools lack qualified teachers for regional and classical Indian languages. 4. Infrastructure Constraints Government schools, especially in rural areas, often lack: 5. Curriculum Overload Students may experience increased academic pressure due to learning multiple languages simultaneously. 6. Equity Issues Private schools generally provide a wider range of language options than government schools, creating disparities in educational opportunities. 7. Administrative Challenges Implementing multilingual education requires: These demand significant financial and institutional resources. Government Initiatives National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 National Curriculum Framework (NCF) Mother Tongue-Based Education The NEP recommends that the medium of instruction should preferably be the mother tongue or local language up to Grade 5, and wherever possible, up to Grade 8. Teacher Capacity Building The Ministry of Education and NCERT are developing:

Context The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026 under the provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. The amendments introduce stricter compliance requirements for NGOs receiving foreign funds and aim to improve transparency, accountability, and monitoring of foreign contributions in India. Background: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 The FCRA regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and NGOs operating in India. Objectives Evolution of FCRA Key Features Key Amendments under FCRA Rules, 2026 1. Categorisation of NGO Activities For the first time, NGOs must register under specific activity categories. Five Approved Categories Significance 2. Mandatory Disclosure Requirements NGOs must provide detailed information regarding: Purpose 3. Expanded Definition of “Key Functionary” The amended rules widen the scope of individuals considered responsible for an NGO. Includes Significance 4. Restrictions on Foreign Nationals Associations with foreign nationals as key functionaries will generally not be eligible for FCRA registration or prior permission. Exception The Central Government may grant approval in special circumstances. Objective 5. State-wise and Category-wise Registration NGOs must now specify: Purpose Activities chosen from an officially prescribed list. Location States and Union Territories where activities will be conducted. Earlier System New System Significance of the Amendments 1. Greater Transparency Mandatory disclosures create a clearer picture of: 2. Improved Accountability Purpose-specific approvals ensure that: 3. Better Regulatory Oversight State-wise registration enables authorities to: 4. Enhanced Traceability of Foreign Funds The amendments create stronger audit trails for: 5. Stronger Governance Framework The expanded definition of key functionaries: Concerns and Criticisms 1. Increased Compliance Burden NGOs may need: This may particularly affect small organizations. 2. Higher Financial Costs Separate fees for: This can increase operational expenses. 3. Reduced Operational Flexibility Organizations may face difficulties: 4. Impact on Civil Society Critics argue that stricter regulations may: 5. Challenges for Foreign-funded Projects Projects in areas such as: may experience procedural delays due to additional approvals. Government’s Justification The Government argues that the amendments are necessary to: Constitutional and Governance Dimensions Related Constitutional Provisions Governance Aspect The amendments attempt to balance: Conclusion The FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026 represent a significant tightening of the regulatory framework governing foreign-funded NGOs in India. By introducing activity-wise categorization, enhanced disclosure norms, expanded accountability mechanisms, and State-specific approvals, the Government seeks to improve transparency and oversight of foreign contributions. However, the success of these reforms will depend on achieving a balance between preventing misuse of foreign funds and ensuring that genuine civil society organizations can continue their developmental, welfare, and humanitarian activities without excessive administrative burdens.