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Editorial · 2 min read · THE HINDU PAPER EDITORIAL

SC Questions Govt on Three-Language Policy Implementation

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) finds itself embroiled in a legal and educational imbroglio following its recent directive . The Supreme Court of India has taken note of the contentious three-language policy, calling upon the Union Government, CBSE, and NCERT to present a detailed report by July 1, 2026, regarding their logistical preparedness for its nationwide implementation for Class 9 students. This policy, which mandates the study of three languages, with a minimum of two being native Indian tongues, has stirred considerable disquiet among students, educators, and parents alike.Initially, the CBSE had indicated a deferment of this requirement until the 2029-30 academic year, making its subsequent abrupt about-face particularly perplexing . Critics point out that this precipitate shift comes across as a politically expedient decision, rather than an educationally sound one. Although the third language will not be assessed in the Class 10 Board examinations, with marks instead appearing on the final certificate through internal evaluations, this measure does little to alleviate the substantial burden.Petitioners assert that language acquisition is a matter of individual volition , not state imposition . They further argue that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, invoked by the CBSE, explicitly espouses flexibility and prohibits forced language learning. Moreover, questions have arisen regarding the CBSE's statutory competence to enforce such a sweeping educational mandate without underpinning parliamentary legislation, given its status as an executive body. The practical ramifications are also stark : schools grapple with an acute paucity of trained language teachers and adequate textbooks, adding immense pressure on an already strained system.The ongoing dispute threatens to transform school education into a cultural battleground, potentially impeding India's ambition to cultivate a global reservoir of advanced human resources. It is imperative that the Centre reconsider this policy and chart a course that prioritizes academic stability and student welfare, aligning with the stated ethos of flexibility and choice, before the Supreme Court resumes its hearings.

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Vocabulary from this Editorial

About-face Noun

A complete change of opinion, policy, or direction.

Synonyms: reversal, U-turn, turnaround

"The government's sudden <b>about-face</b> on the economic policy surprised many analysts."

Abrupt Adjective

Sudden and unexpected, often to the point of being unwelcome or harsh.

Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, hasty

"The <b>abrupt</b> change in weather caught many people unprepared for the cold."

Acute Adjective

Present or experienced to a severe or intense degree; very serious or critical.

Synonyms: severe, intense, critical

"There is an <b>acute</b> shortage of skilled labor in the manufacturing sector."

Alleviate Verb

To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.

Synonyms: relieve, ease, lessen

"The new medication helped to <b>alleviate</b> the patient's chronic pain."

Ambition Noun

A strong desire to do or achieve something.

Synonyms: aspiration, goal, objective

"Her <b>ambition</b> to become a successful entrepreneur fueled her tireless efforts."

Assert Verb

To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.

Synonyms: declare, maintain, affirm

"The lawyer confidently <b>asserted</b> his client's innocence in court."

Competence Noun

The ability to do something successfully or efficiently.

Synonyms: capability, proficiency, expertise

"The new manager demonstrated exceptional <b>competence</b> in handling complex projects."

Contentious Adjective

Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

Synonyms: controversial, disputable, arguable

"The government's new tax policy has proven to be highly <b>contentious</b>."

Cultivate Verb

To try to acquire or develop (a quality, skill, or attitude); to foster the growth of.

Synonyms: nurture, develop, foster

"She worked hard to <b>cultivate</b> a positive relationship with her colleagues."

Deferment Noun

The action or fact of putting something off to a later time; postponement.

Synonyms: postponement, delay, respite

"The student requested a <b>deferment</b> of his university admission for a year."

Directive Noun

An official or authoritative instruction.

Synonyms: order, command, instruction

"The CEO issued a <b>directive</b> for all employees to complete the new training module."

Disquiet Noun

A feeling of anxiety or worry.

Synonyms: unease, anxiety, apprehension

"The sudden silence in the room caused a sense of <b>disquiet</b> among the attendees."

Dispute Noun

A disagreement, argument, or debate.

Synonyms: controversy, argument, conflict

"The ongoing border <b>dispute</b> has escalated tensions between the two nations."

Embroiled Verb

Involve (someone) deeply in an argument, conflict, or difficult situation.

Synonyms: entangled, involved, implicated

"The company became <b>embroiled</b> in a scandal involving financial mismanagement."

Espouses Verb

Adopt or support (a cause, belief, or way of life).

Synonyms: advocates, champions, supports

"The organization <b>espouses</b> the principles of democracy and human rights."

Ethos Noun

The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.

Synonyms: character, spirit, disposition

"The company's <b>ethos</b> of innovation and collaboration attracts top talent."

Executive Adjective

Having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect.

Synonyms: administrative, managerial, supervisory

"The new policy was implemented through an <b>executive</b> order rather than legislation."

Expedient Adjective

Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.

Synonyms: advantageous, opportune, convenient

"While it might be an <b>expedient</b> solution, it may not be the most ethical one."

Explicitly Adverb

In a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

Synonyms: clearly, distinctly, unequivocally

"The instructions <b>explicitly</b> stated that no outside materials were allowed."

Grapple Verb

To struggle or deal with (a difficulty or a problem).

Synonyms: wrestle, contend, struggle

"Scientists continue to <b>grapple</b> with the complexities of climate change."

Imbroglio Noun

An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.

Synonyms: predicament, dilemma, quandary

"The political <b>imbroglio</b> resulted in the resignation of several key officials."

Impeding Verb

Delaying or obstructing (someone or something).

Synonyms: hindering, obstructing, hampering

"Heavy snowfall is <b>impeding</b> the rescue efforts in the mountainous region."

Imperative Adjective

Of vital importance; crucial.

Synonyms: crucial, essential, vital

"It is <b>imperative</b> that we address the root causes of poverty to achieve lasting peace."

Imposition Noun

The action or process of imposing something, typically a new law or tax.

Synonyms: enforcement, application, levy

"The new <b>imposition</b> of tariffs led to higher prices for imported goods."

Logistical Adjective

Relating to the organization and management of a complex operation.

Synonyms: organizational, planning, coordinating

"The event required careful <b>logistical</b> planning to ensure everything ran smoothly."

Mandates Verb

Requires (something) to be done; officially makes compulsory.

Synonyms: commands, orders, decrees

"The new regulation <b>mandates</b> the use of safety equipment on all construction sites."

Paucity Noun

The presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity.

Synonyms: scarcity, shortage, lack

"The committee noted a <b>paucity</b> of fresh ideas during the brainstorming session."

Perplexing Adjective

Completely baffling or confusing.

Synonyms: baffling, confusing, puzzling

"The detective found the series of clues to be quite <b>perplexing</b>."

Precipitate Adjective

Done, made, or acting suddenly or without careful consideration.

Synonyms: hasty, rash, abrupt

"A <b>precipitate</b> decision without sufficient data can lead to severe consequences."

Prioritizes Verb

Designates or treats (something) as more important than other things.

Synonyms: favors, prefers, elevates

"The company <b>prioritizes</b> customer satisfaction above all else."

Ramifications Noun

A complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.

Synonyms: consequences, implications, effects

"The unexpected policy change had far-reaching <b>ramifications</b> for the entire industry."

Reconsider Verb

Consider (something) again, especially for a possible change of decision or plan.

Synonyms: review, re-evaluate, rethink

"The management was asked to <b>reconsider</b> their decision to close the branch."

Resumes Verb

Begins again or continues after a pause or interruption.

Synonyms: continues, restarts, recommences

"After a brief break, the speaker <b>resumes</b> his presentation."

Stark Adjective

Severe or bare in appearance or outline; sharply clear.

Synonyms: harsh, severe, austere

"The report presented a <b>stark</b> contrast between the rich and the poor."

Statutory Adjective

Required, permitted, or enacted by statute (law).

Synonyms: legal, lawful, mandated

"Companies must comply with all <b>statutory</b> regulations regarding employee safety."

Strained Adjective

Showing signs of tiredness or overwork; feeling or appearing tense and uneasy.

Synonyms: tense, stressed, overworked

"Their relationship became increasingly <b>strained</b> after the argument."

Substantial Adjective

Of considerable importance, size, or worth.

Synonyms: considerable, significant, sizable

"The project received <b>substantial</b> funding from international donors."

Sweeping Adjective

Extending over a large area or a wide range; comprehensive.

Synonyms: extensive, broad, far-reaching

"The new reforms introduced a <b>sweeping</b> change across the entire educational system."

Underpinning Verb

Supporting (a structure or theory) from below or by providing a firm basis.

Synonyms: supporting, bolstering, reinforcing

"Strong moral values are often seen as <b>underpinning</b> a just society."

Volition Noun

The faculty or power of using one's will.

Synonyms: will, choice, discretion

"She made the decision to pursue higher education of her own <b>volition</b>."

Phrasal Verbs

taken note

To pay attention to something and consider it carefully.

"The court has <b>taken note</b> of the petitioner's concerns."

calling upon

To formally ask or demand that someone do something.

"The Supreme Court is <b>calling upon</b> the government to provide a report."

point out

To direct attention toward something; to indicate or explain.

"Critics <b>point out</b> the flaws in the new policy."

comes across

To be perceived or understood in a particular way.

"His speech <b>comes across</b> as genuinely sincere."

grapple with

To struggle to deal with or overcome a difficulty or challenge.

"Schools are <b>grappling with</b> a shortage of teachers."

chart a course

To plan a method of achieving something.

"It is important for the government to <b>chart a course</b> for economic recovery."

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