The government offers Urdu, Punjabi, and Sanskrit as third-language options, but the school on Raj Niwas Marg refuses to teach Urdu, prompting appeals from parents and community leaders for strict action
NEW DELHI — The newly opened CM Shri Schools in the national capital have sparked outrage among Urdu-speaking students and their families after one branch, located at Raj Niwas Marg, reportedly refused to teach Urdu as a third language. This move comes in direct conflict with the government’s education policy, which allows students to choose between Urdu, Punjabi, and Sanskrit.
Under the new education policy, 33 CM Shri Schools were inaugurated across Delhi. Students from classes 6 to 8 gain admission based on merit in an online entrance test. However, following the announcement of the test results on September 13, students who opted for Urdu found themselves unable to pursue the language, creating immediate distress.
Manzar Ali Khan, President of the Zarif Educational and Welfare Society, expressed his concern: “The CM Shri School on Raj Niwas Marg has flatly refused to teach Urdu. None of the Urdu-speaking students are being taught their chosen language, leaving children and parents deeply upset.”
Parents have raised questions about the school’s authority to override government policy: “The Delhi government clearly allows three languages. How can a school act arbitrarily and deny students their right to study Urdu?” asked one parent, who wished to remain anonymous.
Khan wrote a formal letter to Delhi Chief Minister, the Education Minister, the Director of Education of the National Minority Commission, and the Regional Director of Education. In the letter, he demanded that all CM Shri Schools in Delhi teach Urdu to students who wish to study it and urged strict action against those violating the policy.
He further stated, “Urdu is not only a language; it is a vital part of our culture and heritage. Muslim students, in particular, rely on Urdu for education and examinations. Ignoring this right harms students’ learning process and self-esteem.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle of Urdu-speaking communities in India, where education policies formally recognise Urdu but implementation sometimes falters. Advocates argue that denying students the right to study their chosen language undermines both minority rights and inclusive education.
A community elder added, “This refusal is not just about a language; it is about respect for our children and their education. We hope the authorities intervene immediately to correct this injustice.”
The Delhi government has yet to officially respond to the allegations, and parents and activists are now closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the CM Shri Schools adhere to the stated language policies.
