Supreme Court says third language should start in Class 6, not Class 9

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday advised against implementing the three-language policy in schools from class 9 as mandated by the Central Board of School Education (CBSE), saying learning of a third language should start in class 6 and must end by class 9,

"Don't introduce a new language in 9th standard, please. Start the third language in 5th or 6th standard, and it should stop by 9th standard. See the stress they (students) are under. Advise your government. The student in me is still alive!" a division bench comprising justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally remarked.

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The development occurred during the hearing of the Tamil Nadu government's plea challenging a Madras High Court judgment that directed it to establish Navodaya Vidyalayas in every district.

The issue of the CBSE's new three-language policy mandate arose during the hearing of the case. In response to a query by Justice Nagarathna, a counsel informed the bench that a third-language is being made compulsory in CBSE schools only from the 9th standard.

Justice Nagarathna remarked that starting to learn a new language at the higher secondary level could be stressful for students. "That is very bad. In 9th, language is stressful. Why do you introduce a third language in 9th standard? Introduce it in 6th standard... Please don't have third language in 9th standard. As it is, the pressure starts from end of 8th standard," he said.

The bench also questioned the Tamil Nadu government's opposition to the high court's directive of setting up Navodaya schools. "You must have Navodaya schools," Justice Nagarathna said.

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The counsel for the Tamil Nadu government apprised the bench that since "talks are going on" it would be premature for the government to make any submission.

Justice Nagarathna said that the state government only needs to make land available and that the Centre would bear all the expenditure

"Navodaya schools exist in all other states. Why are you depriving Tamil Nadu? Don't have this attitude 'because Navodaya school is by Union government, why should we have it?" Justice Nagarathna said.

The bench eventually adjourned the matter following a request by the Tamil Nadu government. The case will come up for further hearing on August 11.