Three-language formula may force Delhi schools to teach Sanskrit

NEW DELHI: Students in the national capital may end up having Sanskrit as the only choice under the three-language formula in their curriculum, which aims at promoting regional languages.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which runs most schools in New Delhi, wants strict implementation of the formula — Hindi, English and another language from the list of 22 in the Constitution.

Most private schools in Delhi offer Sanskrit along with foreign languages. Schools say most students choose a foreign language while Sanskrit remains only an option.

“We offer Sanskrit and French. But now most students will have to study only Sanskrit as the third language. The idea to promote regional language is good but there is no demand for Punjabi, Urdu or any other language in Delhi,” said Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu School, explaining why the proposal may turn out to be a promotion of Sanskrit.

Most principals agreed. They said a few students opt for Urdu and Punjabi — two of the official languages of the Delhi government — and other regional languages.

But Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar assured that the proposal will not lead to the imposition of one language.

Schools also point out that they can hire a teacher only when the number of students opting for the language justifies the salary of the teaching staff.

“There has to be demand from students for other languages otherwise we cannot offer it.

A majority of students opt for Sanskrit because it is closer to our culture. So we offer that,” Rooma Pathak, the principal of MM Public School, said.

We offer Sanskrit and French. But now most students will have to study only Sanskrit as the third language. The idea to promote regional language is good but there is no demand for Punjabi, Urdu or any other language in Delhi.

JYOTI ARORA, principal of Mount Abu School