PIL finds language barrier in new exam rule

An advocate from voluntary organisation Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM) has challenged a Government Resolution (GR) from the state Education Department under which Class X & XII students pursuing their studies in Urdu,Sindhi,Marathi,Tamil and other mediums would be given examination papers in English,Gujarati or Hindi language but write answers in their respective languages (for Class X students) and in English,Gujarati or Hindi languages only (for Class XII students).

After advocate Shamshad Pathan filed a public interest litigation in this regard,a division bench of HC on Thursday issued notices to the respondents,the Education Department and Gujarat Secondary & Higher Secondary Education Board,and kept further hearing next week.

The petitioner said that through the GR passed in May this year,the Education Department has amended particular provisions of the Secondary and Higher Secondary Certificate Examination Regulations,2005.

Story continues below this ad

The petitioner contended that the resolution is irrational,arbitrary and unconstitutional.

The students,he argued,who have studied all throughout in their mother tongues like Urdu,Sindhi,Marathi,Tamil etc. cannot understand questions in Gujarati,Hindi or English and consequently cannot answer either in their own language or in any other language.