LAHORE – May 23, 2025: A new education bill presented in the Punjab Assembly on Friday aims to make mother tongues like Punjabi, Seraiki, and other regional languages a compulsory subject in primary schools across the province.

The bill, introduced by lawmaker Amjad Ali Javed, focuses on promoting local languages in government and private schools, as well as religious seminaries (madaris). The goal is to preserve cultural and linguistic heritage by ensuring children are connected to their roots from the start of their education.

📚 Key Points of the Proposed Bill:

• Mandatory teaching of a student’s mother tongue at the primary level.
• The official language of each district to be announced via government gazette notification.
• Textbooks to be provided free of cost.
• Teacher training programs to support effective instruction in mother tongues.
• Curriculum to be developed based on each district’s language profile.

Javed emphasized, “We want children to stay connected with their culture, traditions, and identity right from their early school years.”

🌍 Global Support for Mother Tongue Learning

Experts and educationists have long backed mother tongue education, saying it boosts learning, comprehension, and social development. Supporters of the bill say it aligns with international best practices that highlight the cognitive benefits of learning in one’s native language.

The bill has now been referred to a standing committee, which will review and give recommendations within two months. If approved, this move could bring a major shift in Punjab’s education system, which has mostly centered around Urdu and English.

This proposal is seen as a step forward in creating a more inclusive and culturally rich learning environment for young students across the province.