It is reported that the Centre and the CBSE will revisit the timelines of implementing the three-language policy in the case of Class 6 students, after the Supreme Court recommended giving a one-year relaxation in this regard.

This news arose from the hearing of petitions filed against certain aspects of the CBSE’s updated language scheme. As per Supreme Court observations on September 17, CBSE needs to seriously consider postponing the introduction of the three-language requirement in Class 6 for a year. The CBSE responded positively to the recommendation of the apex court and promised to come up with a new note.

According to the new language scheme, students need to study three languages in the appropriate stage, of which at least two should be Indian languages. The policy is related to NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.

This has led to some queries about the accessibility of teachers and textbooks, as well as the infrastructure that will be required in order to teach the various Indian languages.

There have been guidelines issued by CBSE regarding the three language policy. There had previously been consideration taken by its governing body to coordinate the implementation process with the availability of NCERT books in different Indian languages. It must be noted that graded books for different languages are currently not available in a centralized manner.

The relaxation that is being considered will only impact the Class 6 batch. This proposal from the Supreme Court does not constitute a verdict with respect to the legal challenge.

The case is expected to be looked into by CBSE as well as the relevant government agencies. It goes without saying that any modification in the schedule of implementation will have consequences for those who are getting ready to deal with the new language framework.

It is now an open question as to whether the existing batch of class 6 students will need to adhere to the three-language policy starting from the present academic year or not.