Parents seek Bhoti as third language option at JNV Leh, cite CBSE Recognition, NEP 2020

LEH: Parents of students enrolled at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Leh, have sought the introduction of Bhoti as an additional third-language option at the school, arguing that students who have already studied the language should be allowed to continue with it rather than start another language from the basics.

A delegation of parents submitted a representation to former Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, seeking his intervention in the matter. The parents urged that Bhoti be offered alongside Urdu as a third-language choice at JNV Leh.

The demand comes particularly in the context of students admitted to Class VI who had studied Bhoti in their previous schools. According to the parents, requiring these students to switch to a new language would interrupt the continuity of their language education and disregard the academic foundation they have already acquired.

The parents said allowing students to continue studying Bhoti would also be consistent with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020), particularly its emphasis on multilingual education and the promotion of Indian and regional languages.

The representation noted that Bhoti has already been recognised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as a subject for Board examinations. It is listed under Subject Code 088 for Class X and Subject Code 188 for Class XII, providing students with an academic pathway in the language through the Senior Secondary level.

The parents therefore requested JNV Leh to introduce Bhoti as an additional third-language option alongside Urdu, while allowing students who have previously studied either language to continue with their existing choice.

They argued that such an arrangement would help preserve continuity in language learning while giving students greater choice within the school’s language curriculum. The parents also linked their demand to the Three-Language Formula under NEP 2020 and the broader policy emphasis on multilingualism.

The delegation also appreciated the initiatives taken by Jamyang Tsering Namgyal towards the official recognition of Bhoti in the Union Territory of Ladakh and its subsequent recognition by CBSE as a subject for Board examinations.

The parents expressed hope that the request would be examined in the academic and cultural interests of students and in accordance with the provisions and objectives of NEP 2020.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken up with the concerned authorities for consideration.