CBSE's three-language policy faces opposition in Karnataka over state language law

The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has objected to the implementation of the CBSE's new compulsory three-language policy in the state, citing a conflict with Karnataka's existing language law.

In a legal representation submitted to the CBSE Chairperson, the association has sought immediate clarification and requested that the implementation of the circular be kept in abeyance for the upcoming academic year.

The representation argues that the Karnataka Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, and the Karnataka Kannada Language



Learning Rules, 2017, already mandate Kannada as the first or second language in all schools, including CBSE institutions, creating uncertainty over the implementation of the new CBSE directive.

KAMS General Secretary Shashi Kumar said the CBSE's recommendations cannot be implemented in Karnataka due to the state's existing statutory language policy.

He said the association has raised multiple concerns with the CBSE and has sought clarity before any rollout, maintaining that the circular should not be implemented in Karnataka for the upcoming academic year.