SC to Centre on CBSE third-language policy (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over the introduction of a compulsory third language for Class 9 students, observing that the move could increase academic pressure on students already preparing for their board examinations. The court suggested that any new language should be introduced from Class 6 instead of Class 9 to give students sufficient time to learn it.
The observations come weeks after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced a one-time relaxation for the current batch of students following criticism over the sudden implementation of the policy.
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Justice B.V. Nagarathna, who was hearing the matter along with Justice R. Mahadevan, said students begin preparing for Class 10 board examinations much before they actually reach Class 10.
"Ninth standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th," Justice Nagarathna remarked during the hearing.
Recalling her own school days, she said students were introduced to a third language during middle school, which gave them enough time to gain proficiency before secondary education.
The remarks were made while the Supreme Court was hearing the Tamil Nadu government's appeal against a 2017 Madras High Court order on establishing Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in the state.
Although the CBSE's three-language policy was not directly under challenge in the case, the discussion shifted to the stage at which students should begin learning a third language.
Justice Nagarathna also clarified that the policy does not mandate Hindi, noting that students are required to study the state language, English and any third language of their choice.
The Supreme Court also advised that no language should be imposed on students and stressed that educational policies should prioritise students' academic well-being.
The bench noted that discussions between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government regarding Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are continuing and posted the matter for further hearing on August 11.
