A Chronology

Year Activity
late 17th century The Christian missionaries started to impart training in English language to
Indians.

1823 Raja Ram Mohan Roy placed his demand for English language studies to Lord
Amherst. Demand for Western scientific education in part replacement of
traditional Sanskrit and Arabic studies was also placed.
1835 Macaulay’s Minutes
1844 Lord Hardinge declared that the knowledge of English was essential for entry to
Government service.
1854 Wood’s Despatch
1882 Hunter Commission recommended that primary education through Indian
languages should be prioritized and English would be one of the subjects in
schools at all levels and in colleges.
1937/8 Basic Education
1944 Sergent Report
1951 University Education Commission, recommends that English should be
studied in high schools and universities in order that we may keep in touch
with the living stream of ever-growing knowledge.
1952 Mudaliar Commission
7th June, 1955 Official language Committee under the chairmanship of B.G. Kher
recommended the continuance of English as the official language till Hindi took
over.
1963/1967 Official Languages Act
1966 Kothari Commission; Three Language Formula
1967 Committee headed by Prof. V.K. Gokak submitted its report. The
recommendations were:
1. English must be taught earlier than class 5
2. Structural Approach must be followed
3. Focus should be on preparation of textbook
1968 NPE: English –language of science and technology
1986 NPE followed by POA
1988 Ramamurthy Committee: continuance of Three Language formula & Central
institute of Hyderabad should work to make teaching of English effective.