Kishanganj, Bihar: In a significant step towards promoting linguistic inclusivity, Kishanganj’s District Education Officer (DEO) Nasir Hussain has instructed private schools to arrange Urdu language classes for students interested in learning the language. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) regarding Urdu as a medium of instruction.
CBSE policies currently mandate that board exams can only be conducted in Hindi and English unless special prior approval is obtained. This restriction has impacted several Urdu-medium schools affiliated with MANUU, creating challenges for students who wish to pursue education in Urdu. The DEO’s directive seeks to address this issue by providing students in private schools the opportunity to study Urdu, either as a language or an optional subject.
DEO Nasir Hussain emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and linguistic heritage through education. “Students who wish to study Urdu should not face obstacles due to institutional policies. This initiative will help foster inclusivity and cater to the needs of a diverse student population,” he stated.
The directive is being viewed as a proactive effort to bridge the gap for students whose linguistic preferences have been limited by administrative guidelines. It also underscores the growing demand for Urdu education in regions with significant Urdu-speaking populations, such as Kishanganj.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to encourage multilingual education and support linguistic minorities, ensuring that students are not deprived of opportunities to learn in their preferred medium. Schools have been asked to arrange qualified Urdu teachers and provide appropriate resources to facilitate the classes.
This move has garnered attention for its potential to balance regional linguistic needs with national education policies, showcasing the role of local administration in addressing educational gaps. While challenges in implementing the directive remain, the DEO’s order represents a step toward empowering students and preserving linguistic heritage in the education system.
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