German will only be taught as 'foreign language' in schools, says Smriti Irani

Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that German has been removed from the option of 'third language' in Kendriya Vidyalayas, adding that the provision to include it as a third language was in violation of Indian policies.

"In 2011, the Kendriya Vidyalaya had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which made German a 'third language' as a subject in schools. I ordered the investigation of this MoU on October 27," Irani told the media. "The MoU was in violation of India's national education policy and the national education framework and thus we did not sign the MoU again," she added.

However, Irani clarified that German has not been removed in its entirety, adding that now the language shall be taught under the 'foreign language' category. "German can still be taught as a foreign language across the country.

Contrary to rumours, we have not replaced Sanskrit with German. We have a three-language policy and in a country with 22 scheduled languages, 125 constitutionally recognised languages and 1600 dialects, we have decided on this policy after taking into account India's diversity," she said. "Having said that, the MHRD will provide the facility for schools to teach a foreign language," Irani added.