Punjabi Language Made Essential Subject in Punjab Schools
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Synopsis
The Punjab government has mandated that Punjabi be taught as a main subject in all schools statewide, regardless of educational board affiliation. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains criticized the CBSE for undermining Punjabi's importance while emphasizing its cultural significance.
Key Takeaways
- Punjabi is now a mandatory subject in Punjab schools.
- Certificates will be invalid without Punjabi.
- Criticism of CBSE for marginalizing Punjabi.
- Penalties imposed on schools violating Punjabi teaching laws.
- Punjab plans to create its own education policy.
Chandigarh, Feb 26 (NationPress) The government of Punjab has officially declared that Punjabi will be a compulsory main subject in all educational institutions within the state, irrespective of their board affiliations.
The issued notification specifies that educational certificates will be rendered null and void if Punjabi is not included as a main subject.
State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains criticized the recent CBSE exam pattern for undermining the importance of the Punjabi language.
Bains informed the press that Punjabi is not only spoken within Punjab but is also recognized in several other states, enhancing its relevance beyond regional boundaries.
"Punjabi is more than just a language; it represents our rich cultural heritage, embraced by millions across India,” he stated, emphasizing that the current trends threaten to erase Punjabi from the educational sphere.
Expressing his discontent over the neglect of Punjabi in a draft education policy, Bains announced plans to communicate with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to hold the responsible officials accountable for this significant oversight.
He stressed that the CBSE must recognize this issue as one of national importance, not merely a choice.
"This is an outright disrespect for the rights of states and the federal structure, as well as a direct attack on our nation's linguistic diversity,” Bains remarked.
"We cannot accept this blatant attempt to enforce a singular narrative upon our diverse nation,” the Education Minister stated, further demanding that the CBSE honor the federal structure of India and give all languages, including Punjabi, the importance they merit.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining Punjabi as a vital component of the state’s educational framework, Bains noted that a penalty of Rs 50,000 was imposed on Amity International School in Mohali for non-compliance with the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008.
A report from the District Education Officer (Secondary) indicated that the school violated the Act, which mandates Punjabi as a compulsory subject. Additionally, two schools in Jalandhar faced penalties for similar violations. He announced that Punjab plans to develop its own education policy, with a panel of experts to be formed soon for this initiative.
Earlier today, the government of Telangana declared that Telugu would be made a compulsory subject from Class 1 to 10 in all schools in the state, regardless of board affiliation.
