The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka(KAMS) has raised objections and written to the Chairman of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) against the implementation of three-language policy.

D. Shashikumar, general secretary, KAMS, has sought clarifications within 15 days in this regard.

On June 26, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the relaxation of the three-language policy for class 7, 8 and 9 CBSE students.

He said, “While the policy will be implemented for class 6 students, class 7, 8 and 9 students can continue with their choice of foreign languages that they were studying earlier.”

Mr. Shashikumar said, “Many CBSE schools already offer Kannada as either the first or second language. Hence, we want clarity on whether Sanskrit, Hindi and other approved Indian languages can continue to be offered as the third language in schools. What should be done in case if a student has migrated from another State to Karnataka and is in class 6. The student may face challenges in adapting to revised language requirements.”

The KAMS demanded clarity on the examination pattern that would apply to the CBSE schools in case of three-language policy in Karnataka. It urged that the Union government and the CBSE must permit schools to continue with their existing approved language combinations for the current academic year.

The association requested that the implementation of the circular to be kept in abeyance until it is harmonised with the Karnataka Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, and the Kannada Language Learning Rules, 2017.

It also sought the availability of prescribed textbooks, comprehensive implementation guidelines and stakeholder consultations before the policy is implemented.