India's technical education landscape is witnessing a significant reduction in English communication training, with courses being downgraded from four-credit subjects to one or two-credit modules. This change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes multilingualism but fails to prioritize English as a critical skill. The downgrading of English courses sends a detrimental message to students about the importance of language in technical fields. Proficiency in English is vital for effective communication in science and technology, as most significant research and publications are in English. Employers often prioritize immediate technical skills over communication, but this short-sightedness can lead to inefficiencies in the workplace. The article argues for a curriculum redesign that focuses on functional fluency, teaching students practical communication skills relevant to their professions. Additionally, the shift away from English courses disproportionately affects students from non-English medium backgrounds, potentially creating a divide in opportunities. The current trend is not a reform but a retreat that could have long-lasting negative impacts on India's workforce.