Sanskrit Compulsory in Class X Boards: No says Prakash Javadekar

CBSE to implement three language formula in schools up to class X. Prakash Javadekar assured that this won’t lead to the imposition of one language in schools.

Written by: Kristina Das

Updated: December 22, 2016, 11:15 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/education/sanskrit-compulsory-in-class-x-boards-no-says-prakash-javadekar-1718113/ Copy

Prakash Javadekar (File photo)

On Wednesday, the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) took a decision to implement the three-language formula up to Class X. And the HRD Minister, Prakash Javadekar assured that this won’t lead to the imposition of one language in schools. A circular, about the three language formula and the timing of implementation, will be circulated to all the CBSE affiliated schools very soon, once the move gets a formal consent from the government.

The three-language formula, under the National Education Policy, means students in Hindi-speaking states should learn a modern Indian language, apart from Hindi and English and, in non-Hindi-speaking states; they should learn Hindi along with the regional language and English.

Though, almost 18,000 CBSE affiliated schools offer the mother tongue or Hindi, English and a foreign language such as German and Mandarin up to Class VIII. A directive, with finer details and timing of implementation, will be issued to schools as soon as the move is ratified by the government. (ALSO READ: CBSE Class X Board Exams Return: What other changes it might lead to)

Previously Sanskrit became compulsory for all the CBSE affiliated schools. Then under the former HRD Minister, Smriti Irani’s leadership Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) were forced to discontinue teaching of German as a third language in classes VI to VIII on the ground that it violates the three-language formula. KVs were directed to replace it with Sanskrit or any modern Indian language. German is still taught but as a hobby/additional language.

According to the Indian Express report, when asked if Sanskrit would become compulsory in CBSE-affiliated schools, Javadekar said, “I have not gone through the Board’s recommendation in detail, but we are not going to impose any language on schools. The three-language formula is currently being implemented across the country, except in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. We are not changing that.” (ALSO READ: CBSE launches Digital Lockers: 5 Key Points every student should know)

Javadekar also supported the CBSE’s move to make the Class X Board exams compulsory from 2018. He also said “This (opting out of Board exams in Class X) was an anomaly. Why should only CBSE students have the freedom to opt out (of Board exams) when the students elsewhere cannot.”