The language debate has flared up again; Annamalai has raised questions.
A new debate has begun concerning the CBSE’s new language policy. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has requested the central government to revoke the notification making a third language mandatory for Class 9 students.
The language issue has always been a topic of discussion in Tamil Nadu. Now once again this matter is in the headlines. The reason is the new notification of CBSE, in which it has been said to make the third language compulsory for class 9 students. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has objected to this decision and has demanded the Central Government to withdraw it.
Annamalai says that suddenly implementing any new system can create problems for the students. He said that class 9 is considered important from the academic point of view, because from this time onwards the foundation of preparation for board exams starts getting laid. In such a situation, suddenly adding a third language can cause concern for many students and parents.
This issue has increased discussion not only in schools but also in political circles. Some people are calling it right, considering it a part of the new education policy, while some say that it is necessary to give adequate preparation and time before implementing any major change.
The language issue has always been sensitive in a state like Tamil Nadu, where discussions about a two-language system have been going on for a long time. In such a situation, it is considered natural for reactions to come regarding this step of CBSE.
What made Annamalai concerned?
Annamalai clearly said that his opposition is not against learning languages. He says that learning more languages can be good for children, because it gives them the opportunity to understand different cultures and people. But his question is why this change is being implemented suddenly.
He said that first the students and schools should have been given time to make this change. Many families have planned their studies in advance. Some students have chosen their subjects and languages. In such a situation, adding a new requirement in the middle can create confusion.
Many parents are also expressing concern that if they suddenly have to learn a new language, the study pressure on children may increase. Especially for those students who are already facing the burden of studies and competitive environment, this is not considered easy.
Schools may also face some challenges. It is not necessary that teachers of every language should be available in every school. At some places, questions are also being raised about books and the structure of studies.
However, on the other hand, some people are also supporting this policy. He believes that in a multilingual country like India, children having an understanding of different languages can be beneficial in the future.
The issue escalated beyond education and became a political talking point.
The question of language is not limited to studies only, especially in a state like Tamil Nadu. Here the relationship between language and identity is considered very deep. For this reason, this decision related to education has now become a part of political discussion also.
Political experts say that Annamalai’s statement is also being considered important because he has appealed to his own central government to reconsider this issue. This clearly shows that different opinions may emerge regarding state level concerns.
Currently, discussions are going on on this issue between students, parents and schools. Many people want that if any new system is implemented, adequate preparation and clear information should be given first.
Now everyone’s eyes are on what decision the Central Government and CBSE take on this demand. Whether there will be a change in the notification or the new system will be implemented on time, it may become clear in the coming days. But it is certain that this debate started regarding the third language does not seem to end soon.
