ABSTRACT
As has been established language is not a mere medium of communication, it constitutes culture, domination and subordination and power relations. Language is a major concern when it comes to Adivasi education. Almost every Adivasi community has its own language or dialect. But they are not considered for instructions in school education for they do not have script, although there is constitutional binding to teach in school education in the mother tongue. In fact, script is not a criterion, a language can be written in any script. It is important to note that the national language and official language of India, that is Hindi and English, have no script. But they are taught as compulsory languages in schools as first and second languages. They are taught simply because they are languages of the majority. This policy has killed many Adivasi languages as the alien languages imposed on Adivasis. Importantly this is also resulting in poor performance and drop-out of Adivasi children from school. This chapter examines how the Adivasi right to education is being denied by imposing foreign language, particularly in the context of Right to Education Act.
