SC accepts Centre's offer to end row over German in KV schools

The Supreme Court today accepted the proposal mooted by the Centre that KV students of class VI, VII and VIII will not have to take examination for third modern Indian language Sanskrit in this academic session and they may continue to study German as an optional subject.

A bench headed by Justice A R Dave, however, asked the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to ensure that students, who want to pursue German or any other language as optional subjects, be provided with all facilities in KV schools across the country.

Disposing of the petition filed by some parents of KV students, the court said that it has perused the affidavits filed by the Centre and others including KVS and CBSE and the proposal looked practical.

"There will be no examinations for the students of class VI, VII and VIII for third language (Sanskrit) in this academic session and students can be assessed for German as an optional subject," the bench, also comprising Justice Kurian Joseph, said.

It further said that from the next academic session (2015-16), students will have to take examinations for third Indian language including Sanskrit.

"Students are free to learn German or any other language as an optional subject and facilities will be provided by KVS in this regard," it said, adding, "by virtue of Centre's statement, this petition is disposed of."

At the outset, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Human Resources Development Ministry, KVS and CBSE, referred to the affidavit filed yesterday by KVS and said German will remain as an optional subject and moreover, students will not have to take exams for Sanskrit or any other modern Indian language in the present academic session.

"The students of KV schools are also citizens of the country. The students in private schools are allowed to study foreign language of their choice and why KV students are deprived of their rights?," Reena Singh, appearing for parents of students, said.