New Delhi: The Centre, CBSE and NCERT have strongly defended the implementation of the three-language framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the Supreme Court, saying it is necessary to promote “multilingualism and national integration”.
Demand to dismiss the petitions
The Union Education Ministry, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in separate affidavits, have sought dismissal of petitions filed against the three-language policy adopted in CBSE-affiliated schools across the country.
Supreme Court asked for answer in 10 days
Meanwhile, a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Tuesday sought response from the Centre, NCERT and CBSE within 10 days on two fresh petitions challenging the board’s policy which makes the study of three languages, including two Indian languages, mandatory for Class 9 students.
Three-language policy is part of major educational reforms of NEP
The Education Ministry has said in an affidavit that a three-language policy is necessary to promote multilingualism and national integration. It said the recommendations related to language education and multilingual learning are part of larger educational reforms envisioned under the NEP. “The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, in line with NEP-2020, reiterates the implementation of the three-language formula and recommends that students study three languages from Grades VI to
Next hearing will be on July 29
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana considered the arguments of senior advocates Anand Grover and Gopal Sankaranarayanan on behalf of the petitioners. The Chief Justice said, “We will hear these petitions on July 29.” Amandeep Kaur and Arpan Roy Choudhary have filed new petitions. He has made the Centre, CBSE and NCERT parties in this case.
Parents and schools raised the problem of lack of books and resources
A lawyer said parents and schools have cited acute shortages of textbooks and the burden of suddenly implementing the policy. “They are implementing circulars which are contrary to the Right to Education (RTE) Act and illegal,” Grover argued. Languages are being imposed without providing alternative arrangements. If Punjabi will be taught without Sanskrit, then where will the teachers come from for it?” He said, ”Here we are talking about the interests of the students of class 6th and 9th. The biggest practical problem is that a state has directed to make all textbooks available by July 1, but currently books of only three languages out of 22 are available. Along with this, difficulties have also arisen due to shortage of teachers.
Questions raised on sudden imposition of new language and infrastructure on students
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said, “A child has been studying English and French till now and suddenly a 14-year-old class nine student is asked to learn Tamil also. In such a situation, where will the teachers, necessary infrastructure and other resources come from?” To this the Chief Justice said, ”We are issuing the notice. Meanwhile, all the parties should file their replies.” Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that CBSE has issued a circular for the entire country, in which it has been said that from the next academic session, students will have to study three languages.
According to the circular issued by CBSE, study of three languages including at least two Indian languages has been made mandatory for class 9 students from July 1. The move is part of the process of adjusting CBSE’s scheme of studies in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
Also read:
CBSE 10th students waiting for the results of second board exam for 50 days, schools have not finalized the admission but are demanding fees since April.
