Maha to make 2nd language mandatory for 1st-yr science students

No longer will the choice rest between learning either Marathi and computer science or French and video technology. From the next academic year, it will be compulsory for junior college students of science faculty to opt for a second language. At present, students can opt for a vocational subject instead of a science subject and completely omit the second language. In the system as it exists in Maharashtra, the vocational subject, which carries 200 marks (100 marks each for practical and theory), will carry only 100 marks, while the second language will bear the remaining 100 marks.

Tukaram Supe, Secretary, Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) informed the media that the government in a resolution made this rule that will be implemented from the next academic year 2010-11.

In 1978, the state education board had introduced vocational subjects to junior college students so that their fundamentals of professional training become strong. Accordingly, students could drop the second language and biology as subjects and take up any one of the following – computer science, electronics, electrical maintenance, motor scooter maintenance or agricultural science. These subjects were allotted 200 marks. “However, in the past few years, colleges offering such courses have been flooded with admission applications. There is a lot of competition among meritorious students to grab the vocational subject seat,” K B Gawde of MSBSHSE’s Research Cell explained.

“Scoring maximum marks in the 100 marks practical paper of the vocational subject is easy and hence many decide to drop the second language and take up a vocational subject for better a better score,” Gawde said. Over a period of time, the education board has realized that the basic aim behind introducing vocational subjects was never achieved. The policy makers had introduced vocational subjects for students who may not be able to take up engineering later on. “It was noticed that only those students inclined towards engineering opted for vocational subjects,” Gawde said.

The number of vocational seats at every college is limited and meritorious students grab these seats. Besides, a separate division is created for vocational subjects at every college and is run unaided. Eventually, this option becomes an expensive affair as fees charged for vocational subjects turn out to be exorbitant. “In my opinion, it is always important to learn languages at an early stage of a student’s academic life. With today’s scenario of globalisation, knowing a second language can always be of help. Besides, learning a foreign language has also been found to be helpful in choosing an alternative career in transcription or translation services and also acts to the advantage of a person trying to secure a job with an MNC,” said Mukta Jayaswal, an HRD consultant.