India, Aug. 21 -- Observing that children should not come under any kind of pressure, the Supreme Court on Thursday stressed the need to find a solution to issues arising out of the CBSE policy mandating the study of three languages by Class 9 students. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana observed there was nothing wrong in introducing the policy but the only concern raised by the petitioners was about the manner in which it was being introduced. "Some of these problems, you may revisit. There is no doubt that sooner or later, it has to be introduced. There is nothing wrong with that. But how it is to be streamlined so that whatever impediments or blockades are coming up, you may find a solution to those," the bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati. Also Read - ADB to provide Rs 1,750 cr for development of 500 KPS schools in Karnataka Advertisement The bench said one of the aspects that was required to be considered was how to build adequate human resource infrastructure with regard to the language options available. "If you have chosen Class 6 as the starting point, you may consider giving a reprieve to Class 6 students of this year. You can introduce it from next year," it said. "Another thing which needs to be looked into is where do you draw the line. Whether it is Class 6, Class 4 or Class 3. You can take a call depending on the curriculum and where the choice between two and three languages is first introduced," the bench said. It said one of the concerns was whether we consider English a native language or a foreign language. Also Read - Toying with youths' future unacceptable: Tejashwi extends RJD support to Patna's student protesters "As the Union of India, you will also have to see that other than the CBSE, what is happening in other boards," the bench told Bhati, adding that it has to be ensured that the roll-out of the policy is appropriately undertaken. Bhati said she would take instructions on the suggestions and get back to the court. "We don't want the children to come under any pressure," the CJI said. The top court was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the CBSE's policy mandating the study of three languages, including two native Indian languages, for Class 9 students from July 1.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.