The Directorate of Elementary Education (DEE), Assam, has issued a directive for the comprehensive implementation of the Bhartiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC)-2026 across all elementary schools in the state. This move aims to significantly bolster linguistic diversity and multilingual learning among students.

The initiative mandates all District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) to organise these camps, directly aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision to promote India’s rich linguistic heritage and enhance foundational learning. Officials confirmed that this statewide exercise is being undertaken in accordance with specific directions received from the School Education Department and other relevant government authorities.

What was announced

The Directorate of Elementary Education, Assam, recently directed all District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) to take necessary measures for organising and conducting the Bhartiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC)-2026 in schools under their respective jurisdictions. This directive was issued on Wednesday, according to official communications from the DEE.

The initiative is designed to encourage students to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of different Indian languages. It is a direct outcome of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places a strong emphasis on fostering multilingualism and cultural understanding from an early age.

The BBSC seeks to engage school students from Class one to twelve through a variety of interactive and experiential learning methods. These include storytelling, songs, games, theatre, conversations, folk traditions, art, and cultural exchange activities.

Why it matters

The implementation of the Bhartiya Bhasha Summer Camp is a crucial step towards strengthening India’s linguistic fabric and promoting national integration. By engaging students in various Indian languages, the camp is poised to play a vital role in shaping a generation that values linguistic inclusivity.

This programme is expected to not only enhance students’ language skills but also cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for India’s diverse cultural heritage. Education department officials said the summer camp initiative aligns with the NEP 2020 objectives, seeking to create greater interest among students in India’s rich linguistic traditions.

Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, emphasised the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, highlighting the pivotal role of multilingualism in strengthening cognition, communication, and foundational learning among children. He encouraged school students to learn in their mother tongue, embrace multilingual learning, and continuously enrich their vocabulary to improve their communication skills.

Multilingualism fosters cognitive flexibility, better problem-solving skills, and improved memory, according to experts. The NEP 2020 emphasises multilingual education as a means to enhance cognitive abilities and cultural awareness among students.

Background

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a landmark reform in India’s educational landscape, places a strong emphasis on fostering multilingualism, cognitive development, and cultural preservation. At the heart of this vision lies the Three Language Policy, a framework designed to empower students with linguistic diversity while bridging regional and national divides.

The NEP 2020 mandates that students learn three languages during their school education, with flexibility for states and institutions to tailor choices based on regional needs. The policy emphasizes promoting instruction in the child’s native language or regional language until Grade five, and preferably until Grade eight.

Under this policy, at least two of the three languages studied by students must be native Indian languages. The choice of languages can vary based on region, state policies, and student preferences, ensuring flexibility across the country.

Assam has been proactive in aligning its education policies with the NEP 2020’s multilingual focus. The state government has previously introduced six indigenous languages—Mising, Rabha, Karbi, Tiwa, Dimasa, and Deuri—as mediums of instruction for the Foundational Stage in schools. This initiative aims to enrich learning experiences for children who use these languages, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to their cultural identities.

The concept of promoting multilingualism through education is not new in India, with the Three Language Formula originally formulated in the 1968 National Policy on Education and reiterated in subsequent policies. The NEP 2020 further strengthens this approach, viewing India’s linguistic diversity as an asset rather than a challenge.

Key details

The Bhartiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC)-2026 is a nationwide initiative that aims to celebrate India’s linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism among school students. It is in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The camp encourages students to learn basic conversational skills in an Indian language other than their mother tongue. This is achieved through joyful, activity-based, and experiential learning.

A significant highlight of BBSC 2026 is the inclusion of Indian Sign Language (ISL) as part of the programme, promoting inclusive and equitable education. This demonstrates a commitment to making linguistic appreciation accessible to a wider range of students.

During the academic year 2025–26, more than five crore students actively participated in BBSC 2025, indicating the extensive reach and impact of this programme. The camps are designed to help students explore different Indian languages, culture, and communication through engaging and joyful activities.

The Directorate of Elementary Education has circulated detailed guidelines and supporting documents to the districts for the effective implementation of the camp. District officials have been instructed to coordinate with schools and ensure that activities are carried out in accordance with the prescribed framework.

Reactions

“The Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp seeks to help children experience this diversity through joyful, activity-based, and experiential learning,” Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, said. He further encouraged school students to learn in their mother tongue, embrace multilingual learning, and continuously enrich their vocabulary to improve their communication skills.

Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, emphasised that India is home to an extraordinary linguistic heritage, with 1,369 languages spoken across the country, each representing the cultural richness and identity of its people. He noted that multilingualism not only reflects the cultural vibrancy of India but also promotes a sense of belonging and emotional connection among people from different regions, fostering national integration and mutual respect throughout the country.

Education department officials in Assam have stated that the summer camp initiative aligns with the NEP 2020 objectives and seeks to create greater interest among students in India’s rich linguistic traditions.

What’s next

District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) have received explicit instructions to take all necessary measures for organizing and conducting the BBSC-2026 program in schools under their respective jurisdictions. This includes ensuring that the detailed guidelines and supporting documents circulated by the Directorate are followed meticulously.

The DEE has further directed DEEOs to submit compliance reports after the completion of the programme. These reports will be for onward transmission to the state government, indicating a structured approach to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the summer camp initiative.

The state education department is expected to monitor the programme’s implementation through these reports from districts and schools across Assam, ensuring that the objectives of promoting multilingual learning and linguistic diversity are met.

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