CBSE Upholds Three-Language Policy Amidst Supreme Court Scrutiny
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) finds itself at the centre of a linguistic debate as it defends its three-language policy before the Supreme Court. During the proceedings, CBSE staunchly argued that nearly 47.3% of its 28,848 affiliated schools already satisfy the new framework, offering two or more native Indian languages to students in Class 9.
This policy is not a mere bureaucratic manoeuvre but a part of a broader educational strategy inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP aims to foster multilingualism and enhance cognitive skills among students, which, according to educational theorists, is crucial in a diverse nation like India.
Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding the feasibility of such a policy in regions where linguistic resources are unevenly distributed. They argue that implementing this policy could prove challenging for schools that lack adequate language teachers and resources. Nonetheless, CBSE has reassured the court that measures are in place to support schools in meeting these requirements.
Interestingly, the policy does not exclude foreign languages from the curriculum, ensuring that students retain the option to pursue them. This aspect of the policy has been seen as a balancing act, maintaining global connectivity while promoting indigenous languages.
The Supreme Court's response to CBSE's defence could set a precedent for educational policies across the country. As the debate unfolds, the Board remains confident that its approach aligns with national educational goals while addressing linguistic diversity.
