Despite govt order, Punjabi still optional subject in some schools

In a clear contravention of the orders issued by the Punjab government for making Punjabi language a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10 in all schools across the state, some of the reputed private schools of city are still having Punjabi as an optional subject.

The recently issued reminder by the state government stated that strict warning notices would be issued to erring educational institutes liable for deliberately violating the proper implementation of order on Punjabi language, which should be stringently followed under two promulgated legislations.

According to Punjab, Punjabi and Learning of Other Languages Act, 2008, it is compulsory for all schools to teach Punjabi language as a compulsory subject from Classes 1 and 10.

The reason behind the strict implementation of the regulation is simple: it is necessary for everybody seeking a government job in Punjab to clear the exam of Punjabi language at the Class-10 level.

Till now, schools were free to give an option to students to choose between languages, including Punjabi, in Class 9 and 10. But, the state government changed the rules thereby making Punjabi a compulsory subject till Class 10. District education officer (secondary) Paramjit Kaur said Punjabi is compulsory for students from Classes 1 to 10 in all schools. She said she hasn't encountered even a single case, where a school is violating the rules. She claimed that all schools are teaching Punjabi as per her information. When told that some schools are not following the instructions, the DEO said, “I will look into the matter and check the instructions whether Punjabi is compulsory till Class 8 or Class 10. After that inspection teams will be sent to schools.”

On the other hand, there are private schools, which are abiding by the rules as they have made Punjabi compulsory from Classes 1 to 10 for students.

Kundan Vidya Mandir principal Navita Puri said since two years Punjabi language had been made a compulsory subject for all students from Classes 1 to 10. Pardeep Sharma, principal of Government High School, Jawaddi, also gave an affirmation that Punjabi has been made a compulsory subject. “The government schools had implemented the orders right from Day One,” the principal said.