The Centre was on Friday asked to explain its decision to replace German with Sanskrit as the third language in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV), after a group of parents questioned the “arbitrary and hasty” decision taken by Smriti Irani-led Human Resource Development Ministry. Agreeing to examine the government’s action, a bench led by Justice Anil R Dave issued a notice on the parents’ petition and sought a response from the Centre by November 28, the next date of hearing. Advocate Reena Singh, appearing for the petitioner, contended that the decision on the language should be left to the students and parents, and the government should not impose its decision on them. The petitioners also said that the decision was taken without keeping in mind the adverse affect it will have on students. “The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan has failed to take into account the pertinent fact that such a decision cannot be taken mid-session as it would amount to throwing into complete disarray the overall academic preparation of the affected students,” the petition added. The petition argued that the government should not take such an “arbitrary and hasty” decision at this belated stage, without any consultation with the affected students and their parents. “The decision to replace German with Sanskrit language in all Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country has been taken by the Respondents in a hurried manner without application of mind and without considering the catastrophic consequences on the interest and welfare of students studying in such Kendriya Vidyalayas,” stated the petition. The Board of Governors of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, headed by Irani, had in its meeting on October 27 decided that teaching of German language as an option to Sanskrit will be discontinued forthwith. German has been kept as an additional subject for students. The decision is expected to affect about more than 70,000 students across 500 KVs from Classes VI to VIII.
