Punjabi to be 3rd language in govt schools

Our Correspondent

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Abohar, January 17

In a big relief to thousands of Punjabi speaking families in the twin districts of Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh near here, the state government has allowed to teach Punjabi as the third language in 43 high schools and senior secondary schools run by the Education Department.

Sources today said the previous government, led by BJP, had allowed the option of Sanskrit as the third language but it was strongly opposed by the Punjabi speaking families.

After taking over as Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot had assured officials of Punjabi Academy and representatives of Sikh organisations that the policy adopted by predecessors would be reviewed. He had given the assurance during Gurpurab celebration at his residence a few days ago.

Parents were told to tell their wards to submit their preference for the third language while submitting admission forms at the government run high schools and senior secondary schools.

It was reportedly found that in 12 government schools in Hanumangarh and 31 in Sriganganagar district, nominations for Sanskrit as the third language were almost negligible, while hundreds of students submitted their preference for Punjabi.

On the basis of a report submitted by the district officials, the Education Department has decided to allow Punjabi as the third language in 12 schools of Hanumangarh from the current academic session.