The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has formally requested clarification from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the implementation of the three-language policy. KAMS submitted a letter to the CBSE Chairman on [Insert Date] , demanding answers within 15 days.
Policy Confusion Amidst NEP 2020 Changes
The urgency stems from a recent announcement by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He clarified that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's three-language scheme would only apply to students entering Class 6. Older students, in Classes 7 through 9, can continue with their current foreign language studies until Class 10.
Conflict with State Law
This new directive conflicts with Karnataka's existing regional laws. The Karnataka Kannada Language Learning Act of 2015 and its 2017 rules mandate that all schools in Karnataka, including CBSE and ICSE affiliated institutions, must teach Kannada as either the first or second language.
Most schools currently place Kannada in these required positions. New guidelines from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) list Kannada as a potential third language. This creates a legal dilemma for school administrations.
KAMS Seeks Specific Answers
Shashikumar, Head of Management at KAMS, stated the association needs clarity. Specifically, they want to know if schools that previously taught Kannada can now offer Hindi, Sanskrit, or another Indian language as their third language.
The association highlighted that inter-state migrant students joining Class 6 face difficulties due to regional language requirements. KAMS also requested guidance on the upcoming examination patterns.
Request for Implementation Halt
Schools are asking for permission to maintain their chosen language combinations for the current academic year. KAMS is urging the CBSE to put the new circular on hold. They seek synchronization with the Karnataka Kannada Language Learning Act of 2015.
The association also requires prescribed textbooks and implementation guidelines for the revised policy.
