SC suggests CBSE to introduce third language from class 5 or 6

The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced concern over the introduction of a third language in Class 9 under the CBSE curriculum, observing it would increase the stress level of students and suggesting it be introduced in Class 5 or Class 6 so that students can cope with it. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally asked the Centre to not introduce a third language in Class 9 level. "Union of India please don't have a third language from Class 9 level. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students. If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at Class 5 or Class 6 level but not at Class 9 level. Class nine is full of stress, it starts from Class 8 onwards," Justice Nagarathna told the counsel, appearing for the Centre, and asked her to convey the feeling of the court to the government.
The observations were made during the hearing of the Tamil Nadu government’s plea against a Madras High Court directive to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the state. The Tamil Nadu government has consistently opposed the setting up of JNVs over concerns regarding the three-language policy followed by these schools. The Court also advised Tamil Nadu not to oppose the Centre's education policy merely because it originated from the Union government, while noting that discussions over Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), which follow the three-language policy, in the state are still underway.
During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna observed that the National Education Policy does not mandate Hindi as the third language. "The State language has to be taught, English has to be taught and any third language. It doesn't say Hindi," Justice Nagarathna observed. Counsel for the respondent NGO submitted that the NEP specifically provides that no language should be imposed on any state. Justice Nagarathna then asked the Tamil Nadu government: "You don't want Hindi, but if it's Sanskrit, what is the issue?" The Supreme Court adjourned the matter for further hearing on August 11.