{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Supreme Court Questions CBSE Three-Language Policy, Raises Objections Over 'Native' Tag for English",
  "summary": "The Supreme Court asked CBSE to reconsider its three-language policy and explore relief for Class 6 students. The court also questioned calling English a non-native language, objecting to the term 'native'.",
  "content": "NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday made a significant observation regarding the three-language policy implemented by the Central Board of Secondary Education, commonly known as CBSE. The apex court directed CBSE to reconsider the policy and explore possibilities of providing some much-needed relief to Class 6 students. During the course of the hearing, the bench also raised serious questions regarding the classification of English as a non-native language. Justice Joymalya Bagchi stated that he holds serious objections to the use of the term 'native', arguing that it carries distinct overtones of colonial thinking. According to him, the term 'indigenous' or 'deshaja' should be used instead to better reflect cultural and historical realities.\n\n \n\nJustice Bagchi Raises Strong Objections to the Term 'Native'\n In his detailed observation, Justice Bagchi emphasized that the historical presence of the English language in India and its deep roots within modern Indian society must be taken into full consideration. The court noted that it needs to be examined to what extent English can genuinely be regarded as a non-indigenous language. He remarked that while policy-making falls squarely within the domain of the administration, the constitutional perspective requires evaluating whether English functions as a non-indigenous or indigenous tongue. Addressing this properly, the court suggested, could eliminate numerous existing flaws within the current educational framework and ease burdens on schools.\n\n \n\nMajor Practical Challenges Faced by Schools in Adopting a Third Language\n The implementation of a third language starting from Class 6 under the prevailing three-language framework has faced persistent questions and criticisms for some time. A parliamentary committee previously highlighted several shortcomings in this system, noting that schools across the country were not granted sufficient time to adopt the third language mandate. The most prominent difficulties cited include the recruitment of adequate language teachers, the timely supply of proper study materials, and the provision of rigorous teacher training programs. These observations formed part of the tenth report presented in the Lok Sabha reviewing estimates for 2026-27, which comprehensively examined policy and budgetary aspects connected to affordable and quality education under CBSE.\n\n \n\nStructural Revisions Implemented by the Government in Language Formulas\n According to the parliamentary panel report, the Ministry of Education has collaborated closely with various states and union territories to introduce structural modifications to the three-language formula. As part of these efforts, a revamped R1, R2, and R3 language framework has been formulated. The committee acknowledged that the ministry has achieved substantial progress on this front, including translating textbooks for core subjects such as mathematics, science, and social science into 22 scheduled languages. Furthermore, bridge courses and digital e-content have been developed to ease transitions between instructions in different tongues.\n\n \n\nTargeted Government Measures to Ease Early Learning Hurdles\n To make early childhood education more accessible, engaging, and playful, the ministry has introduced play-based learning kits named 'Jadui Pitara'. These kits have been made available across 22 distinct languages. In addition, the 'Bhasha Sangam' program has been rolled out nationwide to foster early familiarity with diverse tongues. Collaborating with the Central Institute of Indian Languages, or CIIL, a total of 121 mother-tongue primers have also been compiled. Arrangements have been made within institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas to appoint local language teachers on contractual terms to provide academic support and smooth out operational bottlenecks.\n\n \n\nAll Eyes on Potential Relief Measures for Young Students\n The committee further conceded that adequate forecasting regarding the ground-level needs of schools was lacking prior to the rollout of the third language policy. Specifically, preparations concerning pedagogical materials, educator training, and the availability of qualified language instructors were insufficient before execution began. This lack of readiness has triggered practical hardships for educational institutions and young learners alike. Following the latest remarks from the Supreme Court, public and academic attention is now firmly fixed on whether CBSE will alter its implementation strategy to grant relief to Class 6 students.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: Schools and students nationwide could see significant administrative adjustments if CBSE revises its third-language mandate following judicial observations.\n• For Class 6 Students: Young learners facing academic pressure from early third-language implementation may receive much-needed relief or relaxed timelines.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which CBSE policy did the Supreme Court question?\nThe Supreme Court questioned the three-language policy implemented by CBSE and asked the board to reconsider it.\n\n2. Which specific word did the judge object to during the hearing?\nJustice Joymalya Bagchi expressed serious objections to using the term 'native' for English and suggested using 'indigenous' instead.\n\n3. Which class of students is primarily affected by the third-language mandate?\nClass 6 students are primarily experiencing practical difficulties due to the introduction of the third language under this policy.\n\n4. What are the primary challenges schools face in implementing the third language?\nThe primary hurdles include a shortage of qualified language instructors, inadequate study materials, and a lack of sufficient training time.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/education/sibiesai-ki-tina-bhasha-niti-para-supreme-court-ki-sakhta-tippani-english-aura-native-shabda-para-uthae-bare-savala-19112",
  "category": "Education",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-20",
  "tags": [
    "Supreme Court",
    "CBSE",
    "Three-Language Policy",
    "Education Policy",
    "Justice Joymalya Bagchi",
    "Class 6",
    "Ministry of Education"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}