The order targets CBSE-affiliated schools; BJP leader opposes the move
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The District Education Office in Bihar’s Kishanganj has issued a directive requiring private schools registered with the CBSE to offer Urdu as a subject, citing the district’s Muslim-majority population. The move has sparked a significant backlash from private school operators and political figures, leading to a heated debate over the role of regional languages in education.
District Education Officer (DEO) Nasir Hussain issued the order following a discussion in a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (Desha) meeting. Congress MLA Izhar Hussain and MP Dr Javed Azad raised concerns about the lack of Urdu teaching in private schools in Kishanganj, arguing that the district’s demography warranted the inclusion of the language in school curricula.
In his statement, Nasir Hussain emphasised the importance of the initiative: “All private schools in the district registered with the CBSE board should ensure necessary arrangements for teaching Urdu to students and provide its compliance report to the Bihar Education Project Office.”
Private school administrators have criticised the directive, with some expressing logistical challenges and others questioning the legality of such an order. Bal Mandir Vidyalaya Secretary Trilok Chand Jain stated: “It is not possible to make separate arrangements for teaching Urdu to just two or four children. If there is a demand for Urdu education, a separate school should be opened for this purpose. This is not a government directive.”
The order has also drawn criticism for not aligning with CBSE guidelines. BJP Kishanganj district president Sushant Gop argued: “Education in schools should adhere to the principles set by CBSE. If there is an attempt to impose Urdu on CBSE-affiliated schools, the BJP will strongly oppose it. In fact, if pressure is applied, we will demand the inclusion of the Gayatri Mantra in school prayers.”
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the role of language and religious identity in education. While some view the move as an effort to promote inclusivity and linguistic diversity, others see it as an unwarranted imposition on private institutions.
Congress leaders, including MLA Izhar Hussain, defended the decision, highlighting the cultural significance of Urdu in the region. “Kishanganj is a Muslim-majority district, and students should have the opportunity to learn their community’s language. It is about ensuring equitable access to education,” he said.
As tensions rise, education experts and local leaders are urging the authorities to clarify the directive’s scope and ensure it complies with national education standards. The debate underscores the need for balanced policies that respect cultural identities while maintaining uniformity in education.
For now, the directive remains in place, with schools required to report compliance to the Bihar Education Project Office. Whether this initiative will foster inclusivity or exacerbate divides remains to be seen.
