MPs for action against schools opposing use of mother tongue

New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) A strong demand was made in the
Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament) on Monday for
action against managements of schools which were punishing
children for communicating in their mother-tongue.
"Is it a crime to communicate in mother tongue? Reports
say that many children are being fined and punished for using
mother tongue in schools under CBSE and ICSE", said Communist
Party of India (Marxist) member A Sampath, who was supported
by members from all sides.
DMK (Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam) leader T R Baalu even
wanted an immediate response from the government, while Dara
Singh Chauhan (BSP) suggested a special discussion on the
issue.
Amid thumping of desks from members from all sides,
Sampath emphasised that it was a "primary right" of a student
to communicate in mother tongue. "Even in England, the
children in schools speak in their mother tongue," he said.
He quoted reports as saying that schools were imposing
fines of Rs 1,000 on students and even "throwing the students
out of the school premises. Teachers and school managements
have no right to punish students on this ground."
The CPI(M) member demanded stringent action against the
managements and even withdrawal of recognition of such
schools.