New Delhi, 09 November, 2021: The Punjab cabinet has approved an amendment under Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages Act, 2008 in the current session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The aim of this amendment is to implement Punjabi as a compulsory subject for all students of Class 1 to 10 across the state.
Before the declaration of this amendment, the Punjab Chief Minister opposed CBSE’s decision to keep Punjabi as a minor subject and considered it against the federal spirit of the constitution.
Note: The Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008 considers Punjabi as a required subject and learning of other languages by all students studying in classes 1-10. It was enacted by the state government for matters related to or incidental to it. Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the act relates to the imposition of penalties on schools that violate the provisions of the act.
Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages Act, 2008: Penalty Conditions
1. Post the amendment, the penalties for the violation of the provisions of the act have been increased from Rs. 25,000/Rs. 50,000/Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 50,000/Rs 1 Lakh/Rs 2 Lakh, respectively.
2. The schools that break the role of the mentioned act will have to pay a penalty of Rs. 50,000, Rs 1 Lakh, and Rs 2 Lakh for the first, second, and third time respectively.
3. This includes primary, middle, high, and senior secondary government schools or those maintained by local bodies, panchayat, society, or trust.
4. All Central government schools and Navodaya schools will also need to follow the rules of the act.
5. If any officer is found violating the rules of the act they will be charged with penalties ranging from Rs 500 to Rs. 5000.
- As per this provision, a first-time guilty officer or official can be fined Rs. 500/- as per the recommendations of the competent authority i.e. Director, Language Department, Punjab.
- The second offense carries a fine of upto Rs 2,000
- The third offense carries a fine to the extent of Rs 5,000.
Note: Such penalty shall be levied by the concerned Disbursement & Expenditure Officer on the salary of the officer or official. Before the imposition of such a fine, concerned officer or official shall be given an opportunity to be heard.
To read the complete official notice, please click here.
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