The University Grants Commission (UGC) is inviting Expression of Interest (Eol) from interested authors/ critics and faculty members of higher education institutes (HEls) for writing original textbooks in 12 Indian languages for the undergraduate (UG) level courses in the different subjects of Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Interested writers have time till January 30, 2024 (11:59 pm) to send their acceptance to the Commission and furnish their Expression of Interest (EOI) through the form available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrW7yAOOHSPqGoLcQKiHEYWh-oz94LxjOCwVyl-8jWLQYwKw/viewform

“UGC is working on providing textbooks at the undergraduate level in Arts, Science, Commerce and Social Sciences in 12 Indian languages. We are identifying nodal universities in different states who will coordinate the exercise of forming teams of authors who can write high quality textbooks in Indian languages. This effort is in tune with NEP 2020’s goal to provide learning opportunities to students in Universities in Indian languages. This letter is to identify interested authors to register with UGC so that they can participate in this endeavour,” said Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC.

The exercise is a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s aim of promoting Indian languages. CBSE had earlier issued a notice motivating affiliated schools to adopt NCERT books which are now being made available in 22 scheduled Indian languages.

“The National Education Policy 2020, in paragraph 4.12, already NEP 2020 emphasises the significant cognitive advantages of multilingualism for young learners, particularly when they are exposed to multiple languages from the foundational stage, with a specific focus on their mother tongue. The policy strongly advocates for utilizing the home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional language as the medium of instruction whenever feasible, at least until Grade 5, but preferably extending till Grade 8 and beyond,” CBSE had stated in July 2023.