Lucknow: The decision to relax the three-language policy in CBSE schools has provided relief to Classes VII and X students, but once fully implemented, it will limit foreign language options for next batches.Now, the framework will be applicable from Class VI onwards, where students are required to study three languages – two native and a foreign. If a student wants to opt for two foreign languages, she or he must take a fourth language as an elective. But, most schools are only offering English as the foreign language.This means that students wanting to learn foreign languages like French, Spanish or German will be left with a few options – take separate coaching or opt for these languages at graduation level.“If foreign languages are not part of the core structure, it becomes difficult for us to plan undergraduate studies abroad. We may have to depend on coaching outside school,” said a Class VI student, Riddhima Mathur.Class VII student Pranjali Bhatt said limiting foreign languages within the school curriculum could reduce early exposure and make it more difficult for students to develop proficiency at an early age.A parent, Neha Srivastava, who is planning to send her son to Germany for higher education, said while promoting Indian languages is important, there should be flexibility to provide students with opportunities to learn foreign languages.School principals supported the greater focus on Indian languages.“The emphasis on Indian languages promotes understanding of different cultures in the country,” said a CBSE school principal, Sanjay Bahadur Singh.Principal of another CBSE school, Neeta Singh, said: “It is a necessary step towards protecting the linguistic heritage of India.”However, educationists called for a more balanced approach.“NEP was designed to encourage flexibility, choice and multilingual learning. The focus should be on expanding opportunities for students, not limiting them,” said Prof RP Singh of Lucknow University.Educationist and German teacher, Garima Pant, pointed out that besides English, proficiency in other foreign languages increases the employability of students at the international level.
