Delhi's CM Shri Schools Face Backlash Over Urdu Language Denial in Raj Niwas Marg Branch

Digital Desk

A fresh controversy has erupted in Delhi's education landscape as the Raj Niwas Marg branch of the newly launched CM Shri Schools refuses to offer Urdu as a third-language option, defying the Delhi government's inclusive policy. Parents, community leaders, and Urdu-speaking families are up in arms, demanding immediate intervention to uphold minority rights and cultural heritage.

The CM Shri Schools initiative, rolled out under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to provide quality education to underprivileged students. Inaugurated across 33 locations in Delhi, these schools admit Class 6-8 students via merit-based online entrance tests.

The policy explicitly offers Urdu, Punjabi, or Sanskrit as third-language choices to promote linguistic diversity. Yet, after results announced on September 13, Urdu-opted students at Raj Niwas Marg were shockingly sidelined, sparking widespread outrage.

Manzar Ali Khan, President of the Zarif Educational and Welfare Society, led the charge against this "arbitrary denial." In a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Education Minister, National Minority Commission Director, and Regional Education Director, Khan urged enforcement of the policy.

"Urdu isn't just a language—it's our cultural lifeline. Denying it erodes Muslim students' self-esteem and learning," he emphasized, highlighting how it jeopardizes exams and academic progress.

Anonymous parents echoed the sentiment: "How can a government school override Delhi's three-language formula? This violates NEP's spirit of inclusivity." Community elders framed it broader: "It's about respecting our children's identity amid India's multilingual fabric."

This incident underscores persistent challenges for Urdu-medium education in India, where policy recognition clashes with on-ground implementation. Advocates warn it could widen educational inequities for minority communities.

As of now, the Delhi government remains silent, but activists vow vigilant monitoring. Will authorities act swiftly to ensure CM Shri Schools embody true equity? Stay tuned for updates on this Delhi Urdu language controversy.