K. Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu chief of the BJP, has appealed to the Union Ministry of Education to immediately retract a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) notification. The notification mandates a third compulsory language for Class IX students starting from the current academic year, a significant and sudden shift from previously announced plans.
CBSE's Shifting Policy on Language Education
In April 2026, the CBSE had announced a new language policy requiring Class VI students to study three languages, with two being native Indian languages. Annamalai had welcomed this move, stating it would enrich children's understanding of India's diverse literary traditions. Crucially, the April notification stipulated that the requirement for Class IX students to study a third compulsory language would only come into effect from the 2029-30 academic year.
However, on May 15, 2026, the CBSE issued a subsequent notification to all affiliated schools, directing them to implement the third compulsory language requirement for Class IX students from the current academic year, effectively rolling back its earlier commitment.
Parents and Students Face Unexpected Pressure
Annamalai expressed deep concern over this revised timeline, stating it has come as a "shock" to many parents, particularly in Tamil Nadu. He highlighted that many children had already selected their language options in Class VI based on the original 2029-30 implementation schedule.
The BJP leader warned that expecting Class IX students to pick up a new language with minimal preparation time would create undue pressure and adversely affect their overall learning outcomes. He emphasized the need for stability and adequate preparation for such significant academic changes.
Call for Immediate Reversal
Annamalai has urged the Ministry of Education to restore the original implementation schedule for the Class IX third language requirement, deferring it until the 2029-30 academic year as initially announced. He reiterated his request for the immediate rollback of the May 15 notification to alleviate the sudden burden on students and families.