No 3rd language for even higher classes in SCERT's draft curriculum framework
The decision has sparked a fresh discussion in the education sector as the third language has not been included for higher classes (classes 6 to 10) for the first time since the system was introduced from the academic year 1971-72.
The SCERT on Sunday released a draft curriculum framework for classes 3 to 10 inviting suggestions from stakeholders. It includes only two languages for all classes – preparatory stage (classes 3 to 5), middle school (classes 6 to 8) and secondary (classes 9 and 10).
As per information shared by the SCERT, this draft is prepared on the basis of the State Curriculum Framework prepared in 2024 which is as per the recommendations by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It provides a list of a total 20 subjects, combined for all these classes; with some new entrants such as Vocation Education apart from conventional subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Social Science. Stakeholders have time until August 27 to submit suggestions.
About the missing third language from all these classes, the SCERT has released a note along with the draft.
It states, 'A committee has been appointed under the chairmanship of Dr. Narendra Jadhav as per the Government Resolution (GR) dated June 30, regarding the implementation of the language policy. The existing system will continue till the decision regarding the third language is implemented on the recommendation of the said committee and in accordance with the decision of the Government thereon.'
This has sparked confusion among teachers and schools as they question the connection between the new committee and three languages already taught in higher classes.
'The said committee is to deliberate upon whether the third language can be implemented from Class 1, which was the point of contention leading to formation of that committee. Nobody had opposed the three-languages taught in higher classes, which has been happening for many years now,' said a senior language teacher from Mumbai, further questioning the hurry in issuing the draft curriculum framework when the final decision cannot be taken until the committee's report.
Mahendra Ganpule, from Maharashtra School Principals' Association said, 'The note insists that until then existing practice will continue. But the draft is for upcoming structure for these classes as per the NEP recommendations. But this missing mention of language three, which has always been part of curriculum for higher classes, definitely leaves room for confusion.'
Echoing that there is confusion, Madhav Suryawanshi, coordinator of the Shikshan Vikas Manch, a consortium of teachers and educationists from across the state, said, 'Owing to this confusion and for other discussions, the consortium is going to hold an online session for teachers across state to get more clarity by resolving doubts with experts.'
Stating that SCERT is simply playing safe, senior educationist Vasant Kalpande said, 'System of third language in higher classes has been an existing system. Its exclusion from the syllabus framework is likely to cause confusion over the third language in higher grades, which nobody has contended.'
When contacted, SCERT Director, Rahul Rekhawar said, 'The committee is deliberating upon the three-language formula of the state. This makes it important to wait for its recommendations because without that we cannot decide from which Grade the third language can be implemented.'
Vocational Education from Class 6
Among the new subjects, noteworthy is the introduction of Vocational Education subject from Class 6. In a first a separate curriculum is prepared for Vocation Education which will be taught until Class 10 wherein students will be given hands-on experience in various skills such as agriculture, poultry, gardening, mechatronics, AI, robotics, food processing, carpentry, beauty and wellness, and tourism.
Another notable change is that, subject 'Environmental Studies (Part 1 & 2)' for classes 3 to 5, will be replaced with 'The World Around Us (TWAU) (Part 1 & 2)'.
The existing textbook for Grade 4 ('Shivchatrapati') will continue as such. Whereas from classes 6 onwards, separate curricula have been developed for History, Geography, and Civic studies. From class 9 onwards, separate curricula have been prepared for Political Science and Economics.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Teacher recruitment
Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt is considering replacing the current system of hiring junior teachers with regular assistant teachers under the elementary cadre. The proposal aligns with the state govt's efforts to follow the mandates of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Maharashtra govt trying to erase Marathi: Uddhav
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Maharashtra government, accusing it of systematically attempting to marginalise the Marathi language and culture. Speaking at his Bandra residence 'Matoshree', Thackeray also took aim at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, dubbing him a 'helpless' leader who failed to act against ministers facing corruption allegations. Thackeray was addressing party workers during a function to announce the merger of Raju Shetti-led Shetkari Kranti Sanghatana with the Sena (UBT). 'Despite clear evidence presented by the Opposition regarding corruption involving several ministers, the government has merely issued warnings. I have never seen a chief minister as helpless as this. No one in this administration is accountable,' Thackeray said. He cited the example of NCP minister Manikrao Kokate, who has been under fire for allegedly playing online rummy during a session of the Legislative Council and making insensitive remarks about farmers. Kokate was quietly shifted from the agriculture department to the sports and youth welfare portfolio late on Thursday. However, Thackeray said the move was 'cosmetic' and demanded his resignation. The Sena (UBT) has also been demanding the dismissal of ministers Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod and Yogesh Kadam — all from the rival Shiv Sena faction — over various graft allegations. Thackeray announced that his party will hold state-wide agitations to protest against what he described as a 'corrupt and indifferent' government. Later in the day, speaking at 'Shivalay', the Sena UBT's office near Mantralaya, Thackeray turned his focus to the controversy over language policy, claiming the government was trying to dilute Marathi's place in the state. 'We harbour no hatred towards any language, but do not impose another language on us. The government is trying to finish Marathi in Maharashtra,' he said. His remarks were in reference to two contentious Government Resolutions (GRs) introducing a three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5, including the mandatory introduction of Hindi. Following intense backlash and a rare show of unity between Uddhav and his cousin Raj Thackeray, the GRs were rolled back last month. The cousins had addressed a joint rally on July 5 to mark the rollback. 'The rollback happened because Maharashtra stood up. We will not allow anyone to trample over our culture and our identity,' Uddhav said.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
5 years on, Uttarakhand's NEP rollout falters on key reforms
Dehradun: Five years after Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the National Education Policy, only partial changes have taken effect, with key curriculum revisions and technology upgrades still pending, teachers and students said this week. The state introduced some initiatives like bag-free days and balvatikas, but most recommendations under NEP 2020 have not been fully implemented, Dr Ankit Joshi, former SCERT member said. "An integral part of NEP was formative assessment focused on overall growth, not just academics. But we are still using the old assessment methods. Teachers have not received adequate training. It talked of 21st-century skills, but those are still missing as we rush to complete basic syllabi every year. NEP's 5+3+3+4 model is yet to be rolled out thoroughly," he added The vision of NEP 2020 was to make India a global knowledge hub through multi-disciplinary learning, fostering local-global integration, and encouraging pride in Indian identity. Yet, teachers claimed the approach in Uttarakhand remains heavily centralised. "Without clarity on how to implement these reforms, the state tends to copy central models. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo NEP demands localised curricula, but that's lacking. Uttarakhand's unique culture and geographical challenges are not reflected in school education," Joshi said. In May, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami had said Bhagavad Gita teachings would be introduced in school assemblies and curricula to align with NEP's focus on cultural values and moral education. This was implemented by the education department earlier this month. Since mid-July, students in govt schools have been reciting shlokas during morning prayer, with teachers explaining their meanings and relevance. The education department also said that region-specific content such as local culture, folklore, and geography would be added to textbooks later this year. Separately, the cabinet recently approved recruitment rules for 135 special education teachers and is pushing for digital upgrades, foreign language training, and vocational options like drone technology and beauty and wellness. These reforms aim to strengthen NEP-linked goals of inclusivity and multi-disciplinary learning, but teachers on the ground said implementation has remained inconsistent. Although the education department earlier announced the inclusion of state-specific issues like forest fires and landslides in school curricula, these changes have not been introduced yet. Similarly, a proposal to expand the number of subjects for class 10—including more languages and vocational options—remains unexecuted. "Nothing has changed for teachers in daily operations. Unless the curriculum is overhauled and new teaching methods introduced, we will continue with pre-NEP methods," said Raghuveer Tomar, patron of the state teachers' association. "There's a lot of talk about hybrid teaching and tech inclusion, but a single smart board in a school with multiple batches doesn't help. You must equip schools fully or not at all. This half-baked approach is harming both teachers and students. " Teachers also flagged delays in textbook distribution and lack of subject experts. "NEP, if implemented properly, can improve education standards in the state. We support the reforms, but our motivation is eroding due to bureaucratic red tape," said a guest teacher on condition of anonymity. "We are sent on poll and VIP duty while we should be teaching. Budgets are tight, so tech upgrades are delayed. Students are told they can choose subjects, but we don't have experts, so they end up doing basic science, commerce or arts. " However, the education department maintained it was on track with reforms, especially on digital integration. "We have introduced balvatikas and bag-free days, and even reduced bag weights. Our next target is the localised curriculum, which is being prioritised this year and will be introduced very soon," said Dr Mukul Kumar Sati, director, secondary education. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
