The Centre continues to stick to its stance on its diktat over the teaching of German language in Kendriya Vidyalayas.
After having asked the KVs to discontinue German as a third language option for students from Classes VI to VIII and study Sanskrit or any other modern Indian language instead of it, Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani on Friday insisted that students in KVs can learn German only as a “hobby” in addition to a third language.
Irani’s statement came after various political parties slammed the HRD Ministry’s decision to replace German with Sanskrit. Besides, the parents and students of KVs, the move has also irked the NDA ally PMK, which urged the Centre to revoke its decision. “Irani’s diktat asking KVs to stop teaching German as third language and instead tutor Sanskrit is a planned imposition of Sanskrit,” PMK chief Ramadoss alleged. The move to stop German language teaching will impact about 70,000 students across 500 KVs from Classes VI to VIII who will have to switch from German to Sanskrit in the middle of their school session.
Irani, however, said that the decision to discontinue German as an alternative to Sanskrit as third language was taken in view of “national interest” and argued that the existing arrangement was in violation of the three language formula and that German would be taught as an “additional subject of hobby class” for students who are interested in it.
German was taught in KV schools as part of an agreement between KV Sangathan and Goethe Institute of Germany. It is learnt that the MoU had expired and was to be renewed during the visit of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in September. However, the appointment between Steinmeier and Irani was cancelled before that could happen with the MHRD saying the new Government needed time to study the MoU.
Shortly after the November 11 order, German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner spoke to officials in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MHRD. "I have both written and spoken to concerned people in the government. So far, we are optimistic and feel that Indian government will find a pragmatic solution to allow German in KVs since several students have expressed desire to study German language," Steiner said on Friday.
But, Irani said "an investigation" has already been launched into the signing of an MoU in 2011 enabling German being taught as the third language. "In the Board meeting we have asked how the MoU was signed which was a violation of national policy of education. It is not about promotion of Sanskrit but about safeguarding Constitutional rights," she said clarifying the ministry's stand on the issue.