The CBSE explanation came in response to Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channy’s opposition to keeping Punjabi out of the main curriculum.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday clarified that all the regional languages have been placed in the minor subjects section for the first term examinations of 10th and 12th classes. Singh Channi to keep Punjabi out of the main subject.
“I strongly oppose the CBSE’s authoritarian decision to exclude Punjabi from the main subject. It is against the federal spirit of the Constitution, violating the right of Punjabi youth to learn their mother tongue. I condemn this discriminatory boycott of Punjabi,” Mr Channy tweeted.
In response to his objection, a senior official of the board said, “As far as is known, the CBSE has announced the date papers of the main subjects of Class 10 and 12 – I for the examination.”
“It has been clarified that the classification of subjects has been done entirely on administrative basis based on the number of candidates appearing in the subjects for the purpose of conducting first term examinations and in no way reflects the importance of subjects as big or small.
“Each subject is equally important from an academic point of view. Punjabi is a regional language that is being offered. All regional languages have been placed under unnecessary categories for administrative convenience. Examinations,” the official added.
The board announced on Monday that the first term board exams for Class 10 will begin on November 30, and the Class 12 exams are scheduled for December 1.
The 10th class short subject examination will be held from 17th November to 7th December, for 12th class examination will be held from 16th November to 30th December.
Dividing the academic session, holding two term-end exams and rationalizing the syllabus were part of the special assessment project for Class 10 and 12 CBSE board exams for 2021-22, announced in July in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic.
CBSE is offering 114 subjects in 12th class and 75 subjects in 10th class. Of these, 19 are in 12th class and nine are in 10th class.
The tests will be objective and the duration of the test will be 90 minutes. Due to the winter season, the test will start at 11.30 am instead of 10.30 am. Examinations for minor subjects will be conducted by the schools, although question papers will be provided by the board.
(PTI)