Punjabi being marginalized in army schools in Punjab is unfortunate

-Army Education Society should withdraw circular – Punjab Chetna Manch

Jalandhar, 1 May ( ADP NEWS) Punjab Chetna Manch has lodged a strong protest against the decision to marginalize the teaching of Punjabi language in Army Public Schools located in Punjab. The Manch has termed it not only as a violation of Punjabi language and Punjab Language Act-2008, but also against the sentiments of Education Policy-2020 and National Curriculum Framework. Punjab Chetna Manch President Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Johal, General Secretary Satnam Singh Manak and Organizing Secretary Principal Gurmeet Singh Palahi said in a joint statement that it is very unfortunate and worrying to deprive the children of Punjab of the Punjabi language. He said that according to the Punjab Language Act, The Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages ​​(Amendment) Act -2008, the study of Punjabi language is compulsory in every school in Punjab up to class 10, but in the circular issued by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), an attempt is being made to make Sanskrit compulsory by keeping Punjabi as an additional language.

The leaders of the forum said that students who want to study Punjabi as per the new education policy are also being asked to study Sanskrit as a compulsory subject. This effort is in direct conflict with the children’s rights to learn, psychological freedom and their linguistic choice.

They said that both NEP-2020 and NCF promote Flexible Curriculum for children, mother tongue based education and the principles of “R3”, according to which students have the freedom to choose subjects according to their interest and local linguistic background. But the spirit of the education policy is also being ignored by the Army Education Society.

It has been learned that parents are also expressing serious concerns over this matter.

The forum said that as per the circular, Punjabi language has been kept as the fourth option and if less than 15 students choose Punjabi then the school will not appoint a Punjabi teacher. In such circumstances, students will be forced to study Punjabi sitting at home. This policy clearly discriminates against the students’ language option education policy. Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Johal said that he has written a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, Education Minister Sardar Harjot Singh Bains and CBSE in this regard, seeking their immediate intervention. He has demanded CBSE to ensure that all schools follow the rules of the language policy and education policy.

Punjab Chetna Manch has demanded that compulsory teaching of Punjabi language be ensured for Punjabi children in all army schools located in Punjab. The Manch warned that if this decision is not withdrawn, a widespread mobilization will be launched across Punjab and a struggle will be launched.