HP to introduce Punjabi and Urdu in schools

Shimla, Nov 17 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government has agreed to introduce Punjabi and Urdu as optional subjects in 100 schools each from standard six to nine irrespective of the number of students opting for the language, two Minority Commission Members said today.

Though the Commission had recommended introduction of Punjabi and Urdu in 160 schools of Himachal, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had assured them that the languages would be introduced in 100 schools every year from January onwards, Commission members Harcharan Singh Josh and Lama Chopel Zopta said at a press conference here.

They said the government has also decided to waive off a minimum number of students for introducing the languages in the schools of the state, he said.

Earlier, the government had said that the languages would only be introduced in those schools only were at least 20 students opt for them.

They said the Commission had also offered to arrange for teachers in these languages if there was any shortage in the state.

The Himachal Pradesh government would soon set up the state minority commission as required under the act, they said, adding that barring Punjab and Haryana, all the other states have minority ommission in place.

They regretted the Gujarat Government's decision to return a sum of Rs 19 crore to the Centre, which had been sanctioned a sum of Rs 50 crore to it for relief and rehabilitation of riot victims.

When the riot victims were still living in relief camps without any basic amenities and there was no logic in returning the aid, they said.

They said the Commission had submitted its report to the government along with its recommendations and would be implemented after it was discussed in both houses of Parliament.

The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister had also agreed to reduce duty of Rs 25,000 imposed by state transport department on vehicles carrying pilgrims from Uttaranchal to Poanta Sahib through the bridge, they said.

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