Digvijaya Singh urges PM Modi to put CBSE's class 9 three-language policy on hold

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt the implementation of CBSE's three-language policy for current Class 9 students, citing concerns raised by parents over its introduction in the middle of the academic session.

He wrote a letter to PM Modi and said he was forwarding a representation submitted by a group of parents who have objected to the policy's rollout from July this year. He said the concerns highlighted in the representation deserve serious consideration and warned that schools and students could face difficulties if the changes are introduced without adequate preparation.

According to Singh, implementing the policy midway through the academic year could create disruption, particularly when schools are still preparing for the transition. He argued that introducing a major curriculum change without sufficient time, teaching staff and learning materials could negatively affect students' academic progress.

Questions raised over CBSE decision

In his letter, Singh referred to a recommendation made by the CBSE curriculum committee and reportedly approved by the board's governing body in December 2025. The recommendation suggested that schools continue with the existing language system until NCERT released graded textbooks for the proposed language courses.

However, Digvijaya noted that CBSE later issued a circular asking schools to introduce a third language in Class 9 from July 1, 2026. He questioned the move, saying the required textbooks have not yet been made available.

The letter reads, “It is not clear how and why the CBSE has so evidently overturned its Governing Body's decision, and in a way that threatens the academic planning of thousands of schools across the country.”

Concerns from states and schools

The Congress leader also highlighted challenges that schools in southern and northeastern states may face. He pointed out that Hindi is not commonly spoken in many of these regions, while several local and tribal languages are not part of CBSE's recognised language list.

Singh further said that although Sanskrit has emerged as a preferred third-language option in many schools, there is a shortage of trained teachers and suitable textbooks. Without these resources, he argued, schools could struggle to implement the policy effectively.

Calling for immediate intervention, Singh wrote, "My respectful recommendation is that the implementation of this policy for current Class IX students be put on hold immediately." He also noted that a court ruling on the issue is expected on July 15, which is after the proposed implementation date of July 1, and urged the government to wait before moving ahead with the policy.