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A recent notification by the Karnataka government has stirred controversy in the state’s education sector. The new rules require all private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) to introduce Kannada as either the first or second language in their curriculum.
This move comes under the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, which mandated Kannada as a compulsory first or second language in all schools across Karnataka. However, before this notification, the Department of School Education had been granting no-objection certificates (NOCs) that allowed these schools to offer Kannada as the third language.
What are the implications of the new rules?
- The new rules aim to enhance the importance of Kannada in educational institutions across the state.
- Schools, particularly those in Bengaluru with a significant number of students from other states. Expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing Kannada as the first or second language.
- A group of parents has challenged the 2015 Act in the High Court, questioning its constitutionality.
Arguments for and Against the New Rule Kannada as First or Second Language in Karnataka Schools
- Supporters of the new rules believe that promoting Kannada is crucial for preserving the state’s cultural heritage and fostering linguistic diversity.
- Opponents argue that this sudden shift will disadvantage students from other states who may struggle to learn Kannada at an advanced level. They propose offering Kannada as one of the three languages, with the choice left to schools and parents.
The legal battle surrounding the Kannada Language Learning Act and the new NOC rules is likely to continue. Finding a solution that strengthens Kannada education while accommodating students from other states is crucial. A balanced approach can ensure both cultural preservation and educational equity.
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