PIL in SC to make Hindi compulsory in class I-VIII

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme court seeking a direction to the Centre, states and union territories to make Hindi compulsory for students of class I-VIII across the country to promote unity and national integration.

The plea, likely to come up for hearing next week, referred to various constitutional provisions and non-execution of the three-language formula enunciated in the 1968 National Policy Resolution by the Centre in consultation with the states.

Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, Delhi BJP spokesperson and lawyer, said the three-language formula provided for study of "Hindi, English and modern Indian language in Hindi-speaking states and Hindi, English and a regional language in the non- Hindi speaking states" and it is still unimplemented. "In order to promote fraternity, assuring dignity of individual and unity and national integration, study of Hindi should be compulsory for all the students of I-VIII standard through the country," the plea said.