Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has raised serious concerns over the absence of Punjabi as a compulsory subject in Army schools located in Punjab. He has written separate letters to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging immediate intervention.
Language and Identity at Stake
In his letters, Seechewal highlighted that Punjab is a sensitive border state, and any experiments concerning language and culture should be avoided. He emphasized that the issue of Punjabi as a mother tongue is highly sensitive and deeply connected to the emotions and identity of the people of Punjab. He recalled that numerous movements and struggles have been fought in the past to protect and uphold the dignity of the Punjabi language.
Violation of National Education Policy
Seechewal pointed out that the National Education Policy 2020 advocates the promotion and prioritisation of local languages. However, he alleged that the Central Board of Secondary Education is overlooking the spirit of this policy. He further stated that the situation contradicts the provisions of the Punjab Language (Amendment) Act, 2008, which mandates the teaching of Punjabi.
Confusion Among Students and Parents
Expressing concern, Seechewal noted that under the National Education Policy, even students who wish to study Punjabi are reportedly being advised to opt for Sanskrit as a compulsory subject. This has created confusion among students and parents. On behalf of the people of Punjab, he urged the central government to ensure that Punjabi is taught as a compulsory subject from Classes I to X in all Army schools across the state.
Historical Context and Sensitivity
Seechewal reminded that during various agitations concerning Punjab's demands, issues related to the Punjabi language and Punjabi-speaking areas were among the key concerns. Therefore, he stressed that language-related matters must be handled with utmost sensitivity and seriousness. He called for immediate action to rectify the situation and uphold the linguistic rights of the people of Punjab.
