Punjabi Becomes Essential Subject in All Punjab Schools
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Synopsis
The Punjab government has made Punjabi a compulsory subject in all schools, aiming to enhance its importance in education and preserve cultural heritage. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains criticized the CBSE's recent exam changes for undermining Punjabi and demanded accountability for neglecting the language in educational policies.
Key Takeaways
- Punjabi is now a mandatory subject in Punjab schools.
- Certificates without Punjabi will be considered invalid.
- Education Minister Bains criticized CBSE for undermining Punjabi.
- State government imposed fines on non-compliant schools.
- Punjab will develop its own education policy soon.
Chandigarh, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Punjab government has announced a new regulation making Punjabi a compulsory subject in all educational institutions within the state, irrespective of their board affiliation.
The new directive indicates that educational certificates will be deemed invalid if Punjabi is not included as a primary subject.
State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains criticized the recent changes in the CBSE exam framework for diminishing the status of the Punjabi language.
Bains informed the press that Punjabi is not only spoken in Punjab but also in several other states, enhancing its importance beyond regional boundaries.
“Punjabi is more than a language; it represents our rich cultural heritage and is embraced by millions throughout the nation,” he stated, expressing concern that the current scenario threatens to erase Punjabi from the educational system.
He demanded accountability regarding the omission of Punjabi in the draft education policy and indicated plans to contact Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to assign responsibility to officials who have done a disservice to the state.
Bains asserted that the CBSE needs to recognize that this issue transcends personal preference; it is a matter of national significance.
“This reflects a blatant disregard for state rights and the federal framework, and it poses a direct threat to our nation’s linguistic variety,” he remarked.
“We cannot accept this overt attempt to impose a singular narrative on our country,” he added, insisting that the CBSE must honor India’s federal structure and ensure that all languages, including Punjabi, receive the recognition they warrant.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to preserving Punjabi as a vital component of the state's educational system, Bains revealed that the state government imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Amity International School in Mohali for failing to adhere to the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008.
A report from the District Education Officer (Secondary) confirmed that the school violated the law, which mandates teaching Punjabi as a compulsory subject. Additionally, two schools in Jalandhar faced penalties for similar violations. He announced that Punjab would formulate its own education policy and soon establish a committee of experts for this initiative.
Earlier that day, the Telangana government declared that Telugu would also be a mandatory subject from Class 1 to 10 in all schools across the state, irrespective of their board affiliations.
