SC asks CBSE to weigh one-year reprieve for Class 6 on three-language rule
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider granting a one-year reprieve to Class 6 students by deferring the implementation of the three-language policy to the next academic year. The court suggested the time should be used to strengthen infrastructure and teaching staff required for the policy, which mandates students to study two native languages in addition to one other language.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the policy's implementation. The bench also engaged in a significant discussion on whether English should be classified as an indigenous language under the policy.
Justice Bagchi expressed reservations about the term "native," stating it carries colonial connotations and preferred the term "indigenous." He said the court needs to examine the historical roots of English in Indian society to determine its status. "We have to examine the extent to which English can be considered non-indigenous. I personally have serious reservations about the expression 'native'. It has a very colonial connotation. It should be 'indigenous'," he observed.
Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that while the policy under the National Education Policy is not flawed, the manner of implementation needs attention. "The teething problems can be addressed, but ultimately sooner or later it has to be implemented. There is nothing wrong with the three-language education policy. But how to streamline it is the question. Whatever impediments or difficulties arising, government can find a solution by consulting domain experts or by constituting an expert body," he said.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing CBSE, said the board would consider the issues flagged by the court. During the hearing, the bench also addressed concerns about the practical challenges of teaching additional languages, particularly in schools governed by state boards. Justice Bagchi noted that only around 4% of schools are under CBSE, while the rest are under state boards. "There are asymmetries in compliance with National Council for Teacher Education norms," he added.
The court observed that introducing a new indigenous language suddenly would require time for both students and schools to adapt. "If this can be reconsidered by the council with regard to the applicability to these classes, and it can instead be scaled down to the lower standards, that would give greater assistance to students and their parents in taking a call," Justice Bagchi said. He suggested that CBSE could consider giving current Class 6 students a reprieve this year and introduce the policy for them from the next academic year.
On the issue of class tests in native languages, which had been challenged by petitioners, the bench said the examinations could proceed as scheduled, as CBSE had assured that these would be elementary and marks would not affect students' performance. "Let the examinations take place as it will tell us how many students cleared it," the bench remarked.
The Supreme Court's suggestions come amid concerns from parents and students about the sudden implementation of the three-language formula. The CBSE is expected to respond to the court's queries in the next hearing.
