Karnataka Governor orders review of grading-only policy for SSLC third language

The Karnataka Governor has directed a thorough review of concerns over the state government’s decision to award only grades, without marks, for the third language in the SSLC examination.

The move follows a representation from the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, which highlighted potential impacts on students’ academic engagement and the promotion of linguistic diversity.

The communication was forwarded to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh by the Governor’s Secretary, R Prabhu Shankar.

“I am directed to forward herewith a copy of a representation submitted by the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, which has been addressed to the Governor of Karnataka, concerning the recent decision to award only grades, without including marks, for the third language in the SSLC examination,” the letter stated.

The representation emphasized the role of the third language in fostering linguistic awareness and intellectual development among students. It warned that a grading-only approach might reduce the perceived importance of the subject and lower student motivation.

It also reflected concerns from teachers, parents, and educationists about the potential long-term effects on the quality and inclusiveness of school education in the state.

“The Governor has taken note of the issues raised in the representation and desired that the matter be examined comprehensively, keeping in view its academic and administrative aspects across the education sector,” the communication said.

The Chief Secretary has been asked to review the policy in consultation with the Department of School Education and other relevant authorities and “take such action as deemed appropriate in the larger interest of students and the state’s educational objectives.”