The Supreme Court has asked the central government to reconsider the immediate implementation of the CBSE's three-language policy for Class 6 students. The court suggested offering temporary relief to the current batch to avoid academic pressure.
Court Directs Policy Reconsideration
A Supreme Court bench, including Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana, urged the Centre, NCERT, and CBSE to re-evaluate the swift rollout of the National Education Policy 2020's three-language stipulation.
The justices emphasized that students should not face sudden academic stress during transitions. They recommended a one-time exemption for current Class 6 students from board exams in a third language.
This relief would apply until schools have adequate infrastructure and qualified teachers for the mandatory third language.
Review of Language Introduction
The court also questioned the policy's starting point for the third language. It suggested that CBSE review whether the language must be introduced in Class 6.
The board was asked to consider introducing the third language earlier, potentially in Class 3 or Class 4.
Concerns Over English Classification
A specific concern raised was the categorization of English as a 'non-native' language. The court noted this terminology may carry colonial connotations.
Justices suggested further constitutional analysis, given English's official status in many Indian states. The term 'indigenous' was proposed as an alternative framework.
Key Points from the Court
- Temporary Relief: Grant a one-time exemption for current Class 6 students from third language board exams.
- Resource Preparedness: Question the availability of infrastructure, teaching aids, and competent teachers for over 22 offered languages.
- Start Level Review: Reconsider the Class 6 introduction point or consider starting in Class 3 or 4.
- Language Categorization: Analyze the classification of English and its colonial undertones.
