Last Updated Apr - 29 - 2026, 05:57 PM | Source : Fela News | Visitors : 3
The 1956 India France treaty ensured French language remains official in Puducherry schools.
A recent circular issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has triggered a political controversy in Puducherry over the future of French language education in schools.
The CBSE directive, dated April 9, enforces the National Education Policy’s three-language formula, requiring schools to teach two Indian languages and one foreign language from Class 6 onwards. In Puducherry, where most CBSE schools are English-medium, the new rule is expected to push French out of the school curriculum, according to critics.
Schools have been given only seven days to implement the change, which has raised concerns among educators and political leaders.
Former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy strongly criticised the decision, calling the short deadline undemocratic. He also accused the ruling alliance of remaining silent on what he described as language imposition. He said the move would not be accepted by the people of Puducherry.
Opposition leader Anbazhagan also blamed previous governments for not taking a clear stand on the two-language policy earlier, saying the confusion has now created uncertainty among students and schools. He urged the Centre to clarify its position on the issue.
The controversy is particularly sensitive for Puducherry, where French holds historical importance due to the colonial past. The 1956 Treaty of Cession between India and France had ensured protection for the French as part of the region’s cultural identity.
If implemented, students entering Class 6 from the 2026–27 academic year will be the first to be affected, and French could be phased out completely in the coming years.
Amid rising concerns, some stakeholders and parents are even discussing the possibility of a separate education board for Puducherry to protect its linguistic heritage.
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