KVs told to teach basics of third language from start

The latest circular issued by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan regarding replacing German with an Indian language may spell bad news for students. KV’s latest circular mandates that students will have to learn the third language from the very beginning.

This implies that a student opting for the language in Class 8, for instance, will have to first study the syllabus of first term of Class 6 of that language.

Most students in KV schools may be forced to opt for Sanskrit due logistic problems in choosing other languages.

The order was issued by KV Sangathan joint commissioner Shachi Kant on November 18, in which he gave detailed instructions of how to conduct third language classes for students of Classes 6 to 8 following orders of the human resource development ministry.

“This will help them to learn the basics of the language and avoid stress,” said the notice.

The circular also states that grades secured by students in German would be considered for calculating their final grades of the third language.

“Also, Formative Assessment (FA) is scheduled to start from third to fourth week of November, but there will be no FA for such students for the third language,” states the circular, adding that examination schedule would be released later.

Sources at the regional office of KV, Chandigarh, acknowledge that students might suffer, but express their helplessness in the light of orders from the human resource development ministry.

“We have to do what our headquarters direct us to do. Students, would, no doubt, suffer if they have to learn a new language now especially with exams drawing close,” said a senior official.

Assistant commissioner MK Kulshreshtha refused to comment on the issue.