Several CBSE and ICSE schools have introduced two ‘second languages’ in the curriculum after the State government made Kannada mandatory. This is over and above the third language that is also a part of the syllabus.
While students will be weighed down with four languages, Department of Public Instruction officials said there is “nothing wrong” with this move. At a press conference on Saturday, P.C. Jaffer, Commissioner for Public Instruction, said that schools can teach two second languages. He pointed out that the first language, which was learnt by children, was of high proficiency level.
The second language, too, is taught in a fairly elaborate manner although not as elaborate as the first language. The third language is usually taught at an introductory level.
The government implemented the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, which makes it compulsory for schools in Karnataka to teach Kannada as the first or second language, failing which they will be penalised. Although this was mandated from the 2017-2018 academic year, many schools are dodging this issue.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister S.R. Srinivas said that while the department was until now only collecting fines from schools that failed to follow the rules, in future, they will not hesitate to withdraw recognition or cancel the No Objection Certificate.
While some schools have introduced two second languages, others are abruptly asking students to make a change in languages.
“Last academic year, Hindi was the second language and Kannada the third language. But from this academic year, the second language is Kannada, and Hindi is the third language. We are worried about how the children will cope,” a parent told The Hindu .
Schools that are following this plan have assured parents that they will conduct remedial classes for students.
S.R. Umashankar, Principal Secretary of the department, said that they are in touch with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as well as the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and stepping up pressure on them to make Kannada compulsory as the first and second languages in schools in Karnataka.
