The Centre on Thursday defended its stand in the Supreme Court to discontinue German as a third language in Kendriya Vidyalayas on the ground it violated the National Policy on Education and the National Curriculum framework.
In an affidavit, the ministry of human resource and development (MHRD) said the foreign language would continue to be an optional subject in classes 6 to 8. It said since Sanskrit is being introduced during the mid-session, the curriculum would be basic, taught at beginner’s level. Marks too would be given accordingly.
Filed in response to a petition challenging discontinuation of German, the affidavit said: “For example a student of class 8 who has not learnt Sanskrit in class 6th or 7th and who will now start learning Sanskrit will have the curriculum meant for entry level that is of class 6th.” The SC will hear the case on Friday.
According to the ministry the children are not being forced to drop German. In fact, the decision to make it option would benefit nearly 74,000 children in 504 KVs as they can continue to opt for learning the language.
It further said that of the 74,000 students around 24,000 are already studying German as a hobby subject.
{{/usCountry}}It further said that of the 74,000 students around 24,000 are already studying German as a hobby subject.
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