No exam on Sanskrit in Kendriya Vidyalayas this session, Supreme Court calls it “good solution”

“In order to make sure no stress is caused to the students due to introduction of Sanskrit mid-session, the government has decided to dispense with the exam for Sanskrit this year. There will be no exam and hence no question of stress arises,” submitted the Attorney General for India Mukul Rohtagi to the Supreme Court in a case filed against introduction of Sanskrit in Kendriya Vidyalayas in middle of the session.The Bench consisting of Justices Anil R Dave and Kurian Jospeph was informed that the Government had taken note of concerns raised by the Supreme Court and the Attorney General submitted a letter from the HRD Ministry, which stated, “In view of the concern of the Hon’ble Court, and to ensure that no stress is caused to the students, there will be no examinations in this academic session for those students studying Sanskrit or any other Modern Indian Language as the Third Language now, in place of German as the Third Language, for the remaining part of the current academic year.”The Attorney General also submitted that the Parliament had supported the issue of introduction of Sanskrit, in place of German, and that this solution is a ‘way out’.Regarding continuity of German in Kendriya Vidyalayas, he said, “Students can study Sanskrit and German but German will not be considered the Third Language,”The Bench, appreciating the solution said, “We think it is a good solution. What can be a problem if there is no exam and those students studying German will also be allowed to continue learning it? If our children learn Sanskrit without any stress and they are also allowed to continue German, we don’t see a problem at all,” Reportedly, Justice Dave also said, “I cannot say it about anyone else but I love Sanskrit. I would happily agree if my child studies Sanskrit in addition to German. If students study Sanskrit, I feel their future will be brighter.”In addition, the Court asked the AG to make the stand of the government clear on the issue whether there will be an exam for students who are studying German this year and the Government’s stand on teaching any other Modern language, besides Sanskrit.However, the petitioners, parents of some children studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas have apprehensions regarding the “way out”. The advocate of the petitioners sought time for consultation, before making a submission, which was granted by the Court.The Court in the last hearing had said, “Why are you punishing students for your mistake?”

No exam on Sanskrit in Kendriya Vidyalayas this session, Supreme Court calls it “good solution”

Gaurav Pathak

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