Bengaluru: The debate over Karnataka’s shift from marks to grades for the third language in SSLC exams has reached the Raj Bhavan, with governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot’s office advising the state govt to review the decision. In a letter to chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh, special secretary to the governor, R Prabhu Shankar, forwarded a representation submitted by a local languages preservation group, objecting to the revised evaluation pattern. “I am directed to forward herewith a copy of a representation submitted by the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, addressed to the Governor of Karnataka, concerning the recent decision to award only grades for the third language in SSLC examination,” the letter said. The association argued that replacing marks with grades could dilute the academic significance of the third language. Taking note of the objections, the governor directed the govt to examine the issue in detail, considering both academic and administrative aspects. The chief secretary has been told to consult the department of school education and other stakeholders before arriving at a final decision on this.Various pro-Kannada organisations had earlier argued that Hindi was being imposed on students. Although Hindi is not the only third language available in the state, it remains the subject offered in most schools.“Third language plays an important role in promoting linguistic diversity, awareness and intellectual growth among students,” the languages preservation group said, warning that doing away with marks may discourage students from taking the subject seriously.The association also flagged concerns among teachers, parents and educationists over possible long-term impact on the quality and inclusiveness of school education. Last month, state education minister Madhu Bangarappa had announced that Karnataka would adopt a grading system for the third language in SSLC exams. The subjects include Hindi, Kannada, English, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, Konkani, Tulu and Marathi.Under the proposed new system, total marks for SSLC exams would be reduced from 625 to 525. “There will be no fail or pass for the third language paper. Only grades such as A, B, C or D would be awarded,” the education minister had said.
