We have already decided that the text, including reference to Manusmriti, will be removed from the final document. Suggestions and objections from the public have been invited. All those will be taken into consideration; a comprehensive discussion will be held and the SCF will be finalized accordingly.

While drafting SCF-SE, the primary resource is National Curriculum Framework (NCF)-SE as a model document. In the chapter that is pertaining to Indian Knowledge System (IKS); a verse from the Manusmriti is referred to emphasize on the importance of politeness in the daily life of human beings. This is neither part of our school syllabus nor printed in any books as the syllabus is still in the making. The draft was not presented to the steering committee for approval.

The meaning of that particular verse is very simple and in line with the Indian philosophy. But yes, there are many other Sanskrit verses with the same meaning which could have been used, instead of the one from Manusmriti that can be considered partially controversial due to statements on women, social-setups, etc. Thus, as an education minister, I would have never allowed this as a reference. Persons responsible have already accepted the mistake and apologized for it. But now this issue is being politicised.

The SCF recommends use of Manache Shlok and Bhagavad Gita for memorisation practice in schools under IKS. But there are children from all religions who in schools… Will this change in the final document?

The SCF-SE is a draft in its present form and not the actual syllabus. It is a policy of the state made on the basis of NCF-SE. Manache Shlok and Bhagavad Gita have been used in various forms in Maharashtra schools for a long time. These documents have been suggested as referral reading and the list is not exhaustive but indicative. This is only a draft, which will be analyzed further.

Missionary schools have been using their own prayers whereas Urdu medium schools have their own prevalent practices. Maharashtra has schools with 10 mediums of instruction and various practices. All those are taking place without any objection. But that does not mean that we do not teach IKS, which is the basis of human values ​​of all Indians that includes respecting each other’s religion and belief in peace.

Bhagvad Gita is not just a religious text but provides the essence of Indian philosophy and values. People from countries across the world study Bhagavad Gita and also yoga, meditation and ayurveda, which are all part of Indian culture and are appreciated world-wide. Our children need to know about all of this.

The actual syllabus itself will have information on all religions. But all of that cannot be given as a reference. After all school education is not religious in nature. In fact, we are encouraging all religious schools to take up formal education to help their students learn skills.

English continues to be mentioned under the category of foreign languages ​​for Class 11 and 12. Most of the junior colleges have English language as medium of instruction. How will they function?

At present, English is being taught from Class 1 to 12 as a compulsory subject. As per the NCF-SE, English will be optional from Class 9 to 12. But Maharashtra SCF-SE proposes to keep the English language as a compulsory subject till Class 10 and it can be optional in Class 11 and 12.

Minimum two languages ​​have to be studied at Class 11-12 level, of which one must be an Indian and another will be any of the foreign languages, (English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese). Although English is optional, students can choose it as one of the two languages. The junior colleges having English medium, can select English language.

English is an international communication language. But in various countries they have their own local language. India is providing manpower to the world and knowing different foreign languages ​​is an advantage. Maharashtra has an agreement with Germany under which skilled young individuals from India will get lucrative jobs in Germany. For example, if a boy knows electrical work, having knowledge of German language will work in his favor.

What will be more additions to the final SCF-SE?

India is an agriculture-based economy and thus it is important for our children to have interest and knowledge in agriculture. We have already introduced agriculture as a compulsory subject, the SCF will provide more guidance on it along with environmental education as the duo go hand-in-hand. We have recently introduced various new concepts in school-education such as running a kitchen garden in school, Scouts and Guides to instil good behavior in children and observing days such as reading day and happy-Saturday in schools to encourage reading and wellness of mind. The SCF-SE will also include measures to make education more inclusive by including recommendations for special education.