Students can opt for either German or Sanskrit as third language: Centre tells SC

Sanskrit will not be included in school exams this year. AFP[/caption]Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told an apex court bench headed by Justice Anil R Dave that the government has taken the decision to not have a Sanskrit examination in the current academic year.The decision was taken keeping in mind the stress the students would have undergone due to a mid-session switch.The government made it clear that German would now be an optional language.Students can opt for either German or Sanskrit in this academic session, the Centre also told the apex court.The Supreme Court agreed with Centre's proposal, saying it was a good solution and there will be no burden on students. "Even as a father, I would agree with Centre's proposal," says Justice AR Dave on the issue.The case was adjourned till Monday after the petitioner challenging Centre's decision on Sanskrit sought time to counter the government's new proposal.The Centre's decision comes after the Supreme Court had earlier asked the Centre to consider not replacing German language with Sanskrit in Kendriya Vidyalayas in the middle of the ongoing academic session and implement the decision from next academic year, saying "Why are you punishing students for your mistake?"A bench headed by Justice AR Dave had asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to consult the HRD ministry on postponing the implementation of the decision on Sanskrit to next academic year."Think from students and parents point of view. Let this academic year continue and you better implement it next year," it had said. The bench said that introducing Sanskrit is a good decision as it is mother of all languages."Why should we forget about our culture? With Sanskrit you can learn other languages easily as it is mother of all languages," the bench said.With inputs from Agencies