Deputy of the State Duma from Tatarstan Ildar Gilmutdinov spoke out against reducing the hours for studying native languages in schools.

      "We will work [on ensuring] that there are no such decisions in the future that would in any way reduce the amount of study of native languages," he said.

       State Duma Deputy from Tatarstan Ildar Gilmutdinov spoke out against reducing the hours for studying native languages in schools. He made this statement at the international scientific and practical conference "Unity in Diversity" in Kazan, reports "Business Online." According to Gilmutdinov, the corresponding changes have already caused disagreement at the federal level. — It is unacceptable when the hours for studying native languages are reduced in school. I disagree with the recent decisions that proposed to reduce [the study of native languages] by one hour in the first grade. Why exactly the native language? Well, it is the most important, one of the most important subjects. Drawing could have been moved to extracurricular activities, after all, or music. I have nothing against drawing and music. But once again: I believe that [this should not have been done]. And we will work [on ensuring] that there are no such decisions in the future that would in any way reduce the amount of study of native languages," Gilmutdinov said. He added that the native language is "the history, traditions, and future of the people." The deputy also stated that the issue of language preservation is of fundamental importance.

       Recall that according to the new curricula from the Ministry of Education of Russia, starting from September 1, 2025, in the first grade, the subjects "native language" and "literary reading in the native language" will be taught for one hour a week instead of two; and in schools with a non-Russian language of instruction — two hours instead of three. In the summer of 2018, the Russian State Duma enshrined strict "voluntariness" in the study of native languages; corresponding amendments were adopted to the federal law "On Education." Ildar Gilmutdinov was among those who voted for its adoption. In January 2019, the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities of the Council of Europe criticized Russia for its national policy. Experts expressed concern about the "growing dominance of the Russian language" while simultaneously noting the "lack of effective support for the languages of national minorities."

       Earlier, the Russian independent media "Takie Dela," citing experts, reported that the share of Russian schoolchildren studying in native languages, other than Russian, decreased by half from 2016 to 2023. Teaching in 38 languages has completely ceased. As noted in the article, this situation was caused by a whole range of problems, including a decline in interest in native languages, a reduction in the number of lessons, a shortage of teachers, and a break with foreign partners due to sanctions.

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