Punjab approves amendment to make Punjabi compulsory subject for classes 1 to 10
In a bid to strictly enforce the implementation of Punjabi as a compulsory subject for all students of first to tenth class across the state, the Punjab Cabinet on Sunday approved an amendment in Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages Act, 2008.
After the amendment in Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages Act, 2008, the penalties will increase from Rs 25,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 50,000, Rs 1 Lakh and Rs 2 Lakh respectively for contravening the provisions of the said Act. The Cabinet also gave a go-ahead to introduce this bill in the current session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Also Read | Punjab reduces petrol and diesel prices, details inside
According to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office, any school, which contravenes the provisions of this Act or the rules, made thereunder for a month for the first time, shall be liable for a penalty of Rs 50,000.
Also Read | Petrol, diesel prices in India reduced significantly after cut in excise duty
Provided that if such a school contravenes the provisions of this act or the rules made thereunder for a month for the second time, then it shall be liable for a penalty of Rs 1 Lakh.
Provided further that if such a school contravenes the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder for a month for the third time and thereafter, then it shall be liable for a penalty of Rs 2 Lakh.
Sub Section (1A) under Section 8 of the act has been inserted, where the state government is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient to do so, for reasons to be recorded in writing, it may suitably enhance or reduce any of the penalty as specified in sub-section 1 of Section 8 of this Act by publishing a notification in the official gazette, said the Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement.
Notably, the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008 was enacted by the state government with the objective to provide for learning of Punjabi as a compulsory subject by all students studying in first to tenth class and for learning of other languages also and for the matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Sub-section 1 of Section 8 of the said act relates to the imposition of penalties upon schools that violate the provisions of the said act.
-PTC News
