Education Minister Harjot : In a decisive move against what it calls a “well-planned conspiracy” by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to sideline regional languages through its new exam pattern, the Punjab government has issued a notification making Punjabi a mandatory main subject in all schools across the state, irrespective of their board affiliation. According to the notification, education certificates will be deemed invalid if Punjabi is not included as a main subject.
Following strong criticism from Punjab’s Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, the CBSE promptly issued a clarification regarding the new exam pattern and its impact on Punjabi.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Wednesday evening, Bains emphasized that Punjabi is widely spoken and read beyond Punjab, making it an integral part of the nation’s linguistic diversity. “Punjabi is more than just a language; it represents our rich cultural heritage and is cherished by millions across the country,” he stated, accusing the new policy of attempting to erase Punjabi from the education system.
Bains further demanded accountability for the exclusion of Punjabi from the draft education policy, announcing his intention to write to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to hold responsible officials accountable for this “grave injustice”.
He stressed that CBSE must recognize the significance of this issue, stating, “This is not just a choice; it is a matter of national importance. Ignoring Punjabi is a direct attack on linguistic diversity and a violation of the federal structure of India.”
Rejecting any attempts to impose a “singular narrative”, the minister demanded that CBSE respect the federal structure and ensure that all regional languages, including Punjabi, receive due recognition.
Reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment to safeguarding Punjabi in education, Bains revealed that a Mohali-based private institution, Amity International School, was fined ₹50,000 for violating the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008, which mandates Punjabi as a compulsory subject. Additionally, two schools in Jalandhar were also penalized for non-compliance.
Looking ahead, he announced that Punjab will soon introduce its own education policy, with an expert committee being formed to develop a comprehensive framework for the state’s education system.