Don’t impose Telugu: students, parents to Telangana govt.

Protest against compulsory Telugu subject in CBSE, ICSE, IB schools by non-Telugu students and parents in Telangana.

Telugu as a compulsory subject in classes up to 10 in all CBSE, ICSE, IB and other board-affiliated schools from 2025-26, as a policy direction by Telangana government, must be reconsidered, non-Telugu students and their parents said on Saturday (April 5).

Participating in a protest at Dharna Chowk here, the students displayed their hand-drawn posters, and their parents held placards to convey their concerns. According to a parent, children should have their freedom to learn a language of their choice and should not be forced to learn a specific language. It may not be beneficial for their academic and professional future.

Another parent maintained that the imposition, backed by a policy, undermines the diversity of languages and is against the spirit of inclusivity.

A Class 9 student said she never studied Telugu in school, so it would not be possible to appear for a Telugu examination at board level. She feared that her entire board result would be affected.

“What will my child learn as the second language if we move to another State after some time? He is ready to learn Telugu, but as the third language,” one parent said.

The gathering–students, parents and representatives from various schools–said the policy must be flexible so that they can choose the second language that aligns with their needs, interests and future aspirations.

“Language should be a tool for empowerment, not a source of division,” they argued. They demanded that the government reconsider the policy and allow students choose the second language based on their needs and interest.