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CBSE excludes Urdu condemns AUSF
AUSF Condemns Centre’s Decision to Exclude Urdu from CBSE Curriculum
Introduction: A Controversial Move
The Azad United Students Federation (AUSF), the student association of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), has raised its voice against the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) recent decision to exclude Urdu as a medium of instruction from the board’s curriculum. This move, according to AUSF, has significantly impacted Urdu-medium students, sparking protests and raising concerns over inclusivity in education.
AUSF Criticizes CBSE’s Language Policy
The AUSF, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the CBSE for barring students from writing their board exams in any language other than English and Hindi. The decision has directly affected three Urdu-medium schools associated with MANUU—located in Hyderabad, Nuh, and Darbhanga—which had been offering Urdu as their primary medium of instruction since their establishment in 2010.
“AUSF strongly condemns CBSE’s decision to bar students from writing board examinations in languages other than English and Hindi,” the statement read. The students who have been studying in Urdu now face a situation where the CBSE no longer issues question papers in the Urdu language. This change began in 2021, but students were still permitted to answer in Urdu. However, with the latest order, they are now barred from submitting responses in their mother tongue.
Violation of the National Education Policy (NEP)
One of the primary concerns raised by AUSF is that this decision goes against the National Education Policy (NEP). The NEP encourages education in a student’s mother tongue, promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity. The AUSF argues that forcing students who have been taught in Urdu to suddenly switch to English or Hindi for board exams undermines their academic progress and success.
AUSF’s statement said, “Forcing students to switch to English or Hindi for examinations is not only unjust but also detrimental to their academic success. It contradicts the essence of the NEP, which promotes mother-tongue-based learning.” The federation believes that this abrupt change will lead to increased stress and difficulty for students who have always studied in Urdu.
Impact on Urdu-Medium Schools
The three model schools impacted by this policy are now in a difficult position. These institutions were established to provide education in Urdu and have followed this medium of instruction for over a decade. The AUSF has expressed concerns that the exclusion of Urdu is a direct attack on the linguistic rights of students, particularly those belonging to the Muslim community.
The CBSE order, which mandates that board exams can only be written in English or Hindi, has left Urdu-medium schools confused and uncertain about their future. The AUSF alleges that Urdu is being deliberately sidelined, which could deny basic education to a large section of the Muslim population. Furthermore, the order clarifies that schools outside Delhi must obtain permission from CBSE to allow students to write in Urdu, adding another layer of bureaucracy.
A Call for Inclusivity and Linguistic Diversity
The AUSF has urged the CBSE to withdraw this regressive policy and uphold the values of inclusivity and diversity that are enshrined in the NEP. They have stressed that linguistic diversity is a key aspect of India’s cultural fabric and must be preserved in the education system.
AUSF’s concerns also highlight a broader issue of linguistic inequality in education. By excluding a language like Urdu, the policy risks alienating students from their cultural and linguistic roots, ultimately affecting their overall academic and personal growth.
AUSF’s Plea to the CBSE
In its concluding remarks, the AUSF made a passionate appeal to the CBSE to reconsider its stance. They emphasized that education should not be restricted to two languages and that students must be given the freedom to express themselves in their mother tongue, especially when it has been their primary language of instruction.
The AUSF stated, “We urge the CBSE to reconsider this decision and allow students the opportunity to write in Urdu, as it is essential for ensuring equal access to education for all linguistic groups.” The association called upon the government and the education board to protect the interests of minority students, ensuring that no community feels left out or marginalized.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The AUSF’s condemnation of the CBSE’s decision to exclude Urdu from the curriculum reflects a deep concern for the future of linguistic diversity in India’s education system. While the NEP promotes mother-tongue-based learning, policies like these create challenges for students from linguistic minorities, particularly those attending Urdu-medium schools. The outcome of this protest remains to be seen, but the AUSF is determined to fight for the rights of its students, calling for a more inclusive and equitable approach to education.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on public statements made by the AUSF and educational authorities. This content is for informational purposes only and reflects the views of the individuals or organizations mentioned
