CM Channi makes Punjabi compulsory for all students from Classes I to X in Punjab

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, November 12

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday said Punjabi has been made a compulsory subject for all students from classes I to X in the state.

He tweeted: “To promote mother tongue, Punjabi has been made a compulsory subject for all students from class I to X in Punjab. Schools to be fined upto 2 lakh for violation. Now, #Punjabi is mandatory in offices. Also, Punjabi will be written on top of all the boards in the state.”

The Punjab Chief Minister had wanted Punjabi as one of the main subjects. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had then clarified that all regional languages have been kept in the category of minor subjects for first term exams for class 10 and 12. “I firmly oppose the CBSE’s authoritarian decision to keep Punjabi out of the main subjects. This is against the federal spirit of Constitution, violating the right of Punjabi youth to learn their native language. I condemn this biased exclusion of Punjabi,” Channi had tweeted.