'Likely to create serious disruption': Parliamentary panel chief urges PM Modi to put CBSE three-language policy on hold

NEW DELHI: The chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to put the CBSE's three-language policy for Class IX students on hold.

In his letter, he forwarded a representation from a group of parents who opposed the mandatory implementation of the policy from the current academic session. He said the concerns raised by parents were genuine and required immediate attention.



He argued that introducing the policy in the middle of the academic session, without adequate teachers, textbooks or transition time, could create serious disruption for students. He compared the situation to the difficulties faced during the implementation of CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

"Having gone through the representation, I find the concerns raised to be genuine and deserving of immediate attention. The sudden enforcement of this policy mid-session -- without adequate teachers, textbooks, or transition time is likely to create serious disruption," Digvijay Singh said.


He also pointed out that CBSE's governing body had approved a recommendation in December 2025 that schools should continue with the existing language scheme until NCERT released graded language textbooks. However, CBSE later issued a circular on May 15, 2026, directing schools to begin third-language instruction for Class IX students from July 1, 2026.

According to the letter, NCERT has not yet released the required graded textbooks. Instead, CBSE has recommended the use of NCERT's Class 6 language textbooks. Singh questioned how the earlier decision of the governing body had been reversed and said the move could affect the academic planning of thousands of schools.

He further said the issue could be particularly challenging for students in southern and north-eastern states, where Hindi is not widely spoken and some local tribal languages may not be included in CBSE's recognised language list.

The letter also highlighted concerns over Sanskrit, which has become a preferred third-language option in many schools. However, he said there is a shortage of qualified Sanskrit teachers and suitable textbooks.

The matter is currently before the court and that the verdict is expected on July 15, 2026. However, schools have been asked to begin implementing the third-language instruction from July 1.

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