In a significant move, the District Education Officer (DEO) of Kishanganj, Nasir Hussain, has directed all private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the district to include Urdu as a subject.
This directive aims to cater to the “minority-dominated district” and ensure arrangements are in place for students willing to study Urdu.
DEO’s Notification
The DEO issued a formal letter mandating private schools to comply and submit a compliance report to the Bihar Education Project Office.
“All the private schools in Kishanganj district, recognized by CBSE Board, are requested to ensure the necessary arrangements for the study of Urdu to the willing students and provide the relevant compliance report to Bihar Education Project Office, Kishanganj,” the order dated December 12, 2024, stated.
Background of the Decision
The decision follows an October 2024 meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), where Congress MP Javed Azad and Congress MLA Izharul Hussain raised concerns about the lack of Urdu instruction in private schools.
BPSC Exam Controversy in Bihar
Meanwhile, Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar addressed the ongoing protests regarding the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), 2024, conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. Aspirants are demanding the cancellation of the examination over alleged irregularities.
Speaking to the media, Kumar said:
“They can say what they want; it is their right, but the Commission will probe this and will take an appropriate decision…”
The protests turned tense on Sunday when Bihar police used lathi charges and water cannons to disperse students in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. Following the incident, an FIR was registered against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor, for unauthorized gatherings, instigating unrest, and disrupting law and order.