Karnataka to scrap marks for third language in SSLC exams, introduce grading
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa said on Friday that, starting this academic year, the government will replace the marks system for the third language in the SSLC (class 10) exam with a grading system that will not impact a student's overall results.
He said that until now, the Secondary School Leaving Certificate exams had a total of 625 marks, including 100 marks for the third language. With this decision, the total will be reduced to 525 marks.
"We had decided to make this change after the assembly session. The session concluded yesterday, and I met CM Siddaramaiah this morning. He has spoken about a two-language policy in the state at several events in the past. From this year onwards, until there is a policy change or another decision is taken, the third language will be graded only," Bangarappa said.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister for School Education and Literacy said the 100 marks previously allotted for the third language will be graded and will not impact a student's overall results.
Noting that Hindi is not the only language taught as a third language in the state, the minister said: "While Hindi is the most commonly taught third language in Karnataka, Kannada organisations and activists have expressed concern that it is being imposed. They also pointed out that Kannadiga children find it difficult to read and write Hindi. This decision aims to ease that burden."
He added that any decision to immediately remove the third language would affect Kannadiga teachers who teach these languages.
"I'm not referring to Hindi alone; there are about 13–14 languages taught as third languages in the state, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Marathi, Tulu, and others," he said.
Stating that the third language exams will now be graded A, B, C, or D, Bangarappa said an official order in this regard will be issued soon.
He said there is no pass or fail in the third language exam. "It will be graded, but it will not count toward a student's passing marks. However, students will still be required to take the exam," he added.
Declining to comment on whether a two-language policy will be implemented in the state, the minister said such matters are to be decided by the government, cabinet, and Assembly, and he would not discuss them at this time.
In response to a question, Bangarappa said that 1.64 lakh students had failed the third language exam last year, of whom 1.48 lakh failed in Hindi. "This highlights the pressure on students… they likely struggled in other subjects as well," he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
TVK chief Vijay appointed Tamil Nadu CM, to be sworn-in on May 10
Chennai (PTI): Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday appointed TVK chief C Joseph Vijay as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and and the leader will take oath on Sunday, the Lok Bhavan said.
The swearing-in of the Vijay-led ministry will be held on Sunday at 10 am here at Nehru Stadium.
Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each. The governor held talks for about an hour over the requisite support.
According to a Lok Bhavan press release, Vijay was appointed the chief minister by Governor Arlekar as per the provisions of the Constitution. The governor also invited Vijay to form ministry.
Further, Arlekar asked Vijay to seek the vote of confidence on or before May 13.
The TVK chief met the governor along with Congress top leader K Selvaperunthagai and leaders of supporting parties including the CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam.
Taking into account support from VCK and IUML, who have 2 seats each, the TVK's seat tally has now touched 120 in the 234-member Assembly.
