The Role of Multilingual Education in Enhancing Learning Outcomes: An NEP 2020 Perspective

Abstract

This study tries to understand the impact of multilingual education on enhancing learning outcomes within the framework of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of the mother tongue or local languages in the foundational years to foster cognitive development, improve retention, and promote inclusivity. This research analyzes secondary data from government reports, academic studies, and policy reviews to assess the effectiveness of multilingual education in achieving equitable access to education and enhancing learning outcomes across diverse linguistic groups. Key findings suggest that multilingual education contributes significantly to improved comprehension, academic performance, and student retention, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. However, challenges such as inadequate teacher training, resource limitations, and societal biases need to be addressed. The paper also provides recommendations for scaling multilingual education practices to ensure their sustainability and inclusivity in the broader educational landscape.