Row erupts over language policy in Punjab Army Schools; Critics allege Punjab being sidelined as Sanskrit made mandatory
Babushahi Bureau
Jalandhar (Punjab), May 5, 2026:A controversy has emerged in Punjab after reports claimed that Army Public Schools in the state have introduced Sanskrit as a compulsory subject while Punjabi has been made optional, triggering strong reactions from sections of the state’s education and language advocacy groups.
According to these reports, the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) has issued fresh academic directions under which parents are being asked to indicate consent if they wish their children to study Punjabi as an additional subject. Critics argue that this arrangement could reduce the effective prominence of Punjabi in the curriculum.
However, the AWES has not independently issued any detailed public clarification on the matter so far, and the claims are being discussed based on circulating circulars and stakeholder feedback.
The development has drawn criticism from the Punjab Chetna Manch, which has termed the move “arbitrary” and “inconsistent with existing language protection provisions.” In a joint statement, its representatives Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Johal (President), Satnam Singh Manak (General Secretary), and Gurmeet Singh Palahi (Organising Secretary) said the reported changes appear to conflict with the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages (Amendment) Act, 2008, which mandates Punjabi instruction in schools up to Class 10 across the state.
The organisation also argued that the reported structure of language options does not align with the broader spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework, both of which emphasise multilingual education and flexibility in learning languages, especially mother tongues.
Concerns have also been raised over reports suggesting that Punjabi may be treated as a lower-priority or fourth language option, with some apprehension that schools may not assign dedicated teachers if enrolment remains low. Education stakeholders say such a situation could place additional burden on students opting for the language.
Some parents have also reportedly expressed unease, stating that any reduction in structured Punjabi teaching could affect linguistic and cultural learning outcomes for students in the region.
The Punjab Chetna Manch has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), urging review and clarification of the policy. It has also warned of statewide demonstrations if the matter is not addressed.