Latest news with #Lakshadweep
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lakshadweep's ban on Mahal and Arabic in schools stayed by Kerala High Court amid cultural concerns
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has stayed the Lakshadweep administration's recent decision to remove Mahal and Arabic from the curriculum of schools in the Union Territory. The division bench, chaired by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, stayed the administration's decision. "The point emphasized by the Petitioner, which prima facie, we find merit in, is that for the implementation of the (National Education) Policy in a particular area, there has to be an application of mind and a study of local conditions to determine what is best for the educational interests of the community, in order to achieve the objectives of the Policy. The Policy itself contemplates such an application of mind, noting that various factors are involved in the said decision. As contended by the learned counsel for the Petitioner, a language holds deep cultural significance, and any changes could have serious ramifications," said the Court. The Court pointed out, "Ordinarily, the Court would not interfere in matters of education policy, particularly with respect to the selection of languages in the curriculum. However, this is self-restraint based on the premise that decisions relating to education policy are made by experts in the field after an in-depth study and wide consultation," added the Bench. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Classic Solitaire , Built for Desktop Play Solitaire Download Undo Incidentally, it was on May 14th, the Education Department of the Union Territory issued the order removing the two languages under the 2023 National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which is part of the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP). According to the order, all schools in Minicoy island will offer Malayalam and English as the first and second languages, and Hindi will replace the local language Mahal and Arabic as the third language. This led to widespread protests on the islands. It was against this order that a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Ajas Akber, a social worker and President of the Lakshadweep Unit of the National Students Union of India . The petitioner pointed out that Mahal is the exclusive language spoken by Minicoy islanders, and it symbolises their tradition and culture. He went on to further point out that Mahal was being taught only in primary classes and was a foundation course to consolidate and uphold the tradition and culture of Minicoy, which happens to be a pure linguistic minority among the Union Territory. Akber also pointed out that by removing the Mahal from the curriculum, the Lakshadweep administration has placed an open challenge to the constitutional rights of a minority community, which has distinct traditions and culture. The Court, after hearing both parties, stayed the order for the pendency of the PIL and left it open to the Lakshadweep Administration to conduct appropriate studies on the issue. "It is open to the Union Territory to conduct a study of the local conditions in the context of the prevailing Education Policies and to engage with all the stakeholders through a meaningful process of consultation (not merely for the purpose of record). If such studies and consultations are carried out, it will be open to the Respondents to apply for appropriate orders, and such application will be considered on its own merits," read the Court order. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Kerala HC stays Lakshadweep administration's order to remove Mahal, Arabic from school curriculum
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has stayed the Lakshadweep administration's recent decision to remove Mahal and Arabic from the curriculum of schools in the Union Territory. The division bench, chaired by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, stayed the administration's decision. "The point emphasized by the Petitioner, which prima facie, we find merit in, is that for the implementation of the (National Education) Policy in a particular area, there has to be an application of mind and a study of local conditions to determine what is best for the educational interests of the community, in order to achieve the objectives of the Policy. The Policy itself contemplates such an application of mind, noting that various factors are involved in the said decision. As contended by the learned counsel for the Petitioner, a language holds deep cultural significance, and any changes could have serious ramifications," said the Court. The Court pointed out, "Ordinarily, the Court would not interfere in matters of education policy, particularly with respect to the selection of languages in the curriculum. However, this is self-restraint based on the premise that decisions relating to education policy are made by experts in the field after an in-depth study and wide consultation," added the Bench. Incidentally, it was on May 14th, the Education Department of the Union Territory issued the order removing the two languages under the 2023 National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which is part of the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP). According to the order, all schools in Minicoy island will offer Malayalam and English as the first and second languages, and Hindi will replace the local language Mahal and Arabic as the third language. This led to widespread protests on the islands. It was against this order that a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Ajas Akber, a social worker and President of the Lakshadweep Unit of the National Students Union of India. The petitioner pointed out that Mahal is the exclusive language spoken by Minicoy islanders, and it symbolises their tradition and culture. He went on to further point out that Mahal was being taught only in primary classes and was a foundation course to consolidate and uphold the tradition and culture of Minicoy, which happens to be a pure linguistic minority among the Union Territory. Akber also pointed out that by removing the Mahal from the curriculum, the Lakshadweep administration has placed an open challenge to the constitutional rights of a minority community, which has distinct traditions and culture. The Court, after hearing both parties, stayed the order for the pendency of the PIL and left it open to the Lakshadweep Administration to conduct appropriate studies on the issue. "It is open to the Union Territory to conduct a study of the local conditions in the context of the prevailing Education Policies and to engage with all the stakeholders through a meaningful process of consultation (not merely for the purpose of record). If such studies and consultations are carried out, it will be open to the Respondents to apply for appropriate orders, and such application will be considered on its own merits," read the Court order.
The Print
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
After beef ban & land use patterns, language is new friction point in idyllic Lakshadweep
However, on 5 June, the Kerala High Court deferred the Lakshadweep administration's order. In an interim order, the court emphasised the need to preserve the Mahal language and said that a decision regarding the inclusion of Arabic would also be taken after consultations with relevant stakeholders. The order followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ajas Akber, president of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) Lakshadweep unit. The tussle of the residents with the administration over language broke out after the administration implemented a three-language policy in schools under the National Education Policy, 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework, 2023. Thiruvananthapuram: The Lakshadweep administration's decision to implement a three-language policy has triggered fierce protests this week, with residents accusing it of erasing indigenous tongues and culture. Though the Kerala High Court has now stepped in, concerns remain high as many residents fear the policy is part of a broader attempt to dilute their cultural identity under the current administration. Located between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Laccadive Sea to the east, about 220–440 km off the Malabar Coast, the predominant language across the islands is Jeseri, a dialect of Malayalam. In Minicoy, the spoken language is Mahal, which is a dialect of the Maldivian language (Dhivehi). However, the language fight is only the latest in a series of controversial policy changes and regulations that have led to growing anger among Lakshadweep residents over the past few years. 'Arabic and Mahal are integral to our cultural identity, community life, and early literacy in the island. Arabic is the primary language of religious instruction, while Mahal, on the other hand, is the only indigenous language of Minicoy Island and represents the unique heritage of the Divehi-speaking community,' Lakshadweep MP and Congress leader Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed told ThePrint. According to a government order dated 15 May, signed by Padmakar Ram Tripathi, director of education in the Union Territory (UT), the administration has mandated Malayalam, English, and Hindi as R1, R2, and R3 (the levels denoted by the NCF) in Malayalam-medium schools, and English, Malayalam, and Hindi as R1, R2, and R3 in CBSE schools. The order said the aim was to 'strengthen foundational literacy and language development among children in Lakshadweep, and to align with the vision to enhance the quality of language education in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep,' while providing multilingual exposure and cognitive development opportunities through the mother tongue and introducing English and Hindi in a 'developmentally appropriate' and 'pedagogically sound' manner. However, the exclusion of Mahal and Arabic, Sayeed argued, violates the rights guaranteed under Article 29(1) (right to conserve one's language and culture), Article 14 (equality before the law), and Article 21A (right to inclusive and meaningful education) of the Constitution. ThePrint reached out to the office of the Lakshadweep administrator through messages and calls. The report will be updated as and if a response is received. Also Read: House panel says Centre withholding funds because states not adopting PM SHRI is unjustifiable A history of controversial regulations A Union Territory comprising 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited, Lakshadweep has a population of 64,473. Islam is the major religion followed by Hinduism and Christianity, according to the 2011 Census. According to Sayeed, changes in the archipelago began soon after 2014, when the BJP-led Centre started appointing politicians as administrators. 'Till 2014, the administrator used to be a senior civil servant. But since 2016, politicians are being appointed. In a place where there is no elected assembly, a political appointment is not going to bring any good,' Sayeed told ThePrint. In 2016, the Centre appointed retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Farooq Khan as the administrator of Lakshadweep. Khan, who retired in 2013, had joined the BJP in 2014 and became its national secretary and head of the party's minority morcha. In 2019, former IPS Dineshwar Sharma was the administrator for one year, after which Praful Khodabhai Patel was appointed. A seasoned politician with close ties with the BJP and the RSS, Patel was the BJP MLA from Gujarat's Himatnagar in 2007. He also served as Gujarat's minister of state for home from 2010 to 2012 under then-chief minister Narendra Modi. 'One of the major issues we are facing is the lack of employment. Over 3,000 people lost their jobs immediately due to many of the regulations. It means 3,000 families are affected,' said Shahul Hameed, a resident of Lakshadweep and an (Master of Education) student at the Kozhikode Government College of Teacher Education. Hameed said the loss of jobs was mostly due to the closure of dairy farms and the merging of schools. In 2021, the UT administration passed the Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation proposed by Patel, which sought to prohibit the transport of cattle for slaughter and the selling or buying of beef or beef products. The move sparked controversy and protests. In June 2021, the Kerala High Court stayed the decision, providing interim relief. The same year, the administration ordered the closure of government-run dairy farms, with plans to import dairy products instead. The administration also removed meat from the midday meal menu in schools. Although the Supreme Court stayed this decision in 2022, in September 2023, it upheld the administration's decision, ruling that it was a policy matter beyond the judiciary's purview. Another flashpoint was the Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021, which granted the administration sweeping powers to acquire, alter, and transfer land owned by residents. The law allowed the government to declare any area a 'planning area' for development. In response to these changes, the 'Save Lakshadweep' campaign emerged in 2021 as a widespread grassroots protest movement against the administration's policies. Hameed also said that no panchayat elections have been held after 2022. 'There is no elected people's representative, other than the MP. He has limitations to his involvement in local issues,' he said. The panchayat election was held in Lakshadweep in 2017, but the term expired in 2022. Elections have not taken place since. Hameed added that the administrators in the archipelago are only 'outsiders' who don't know the know-how of the place. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: Not just oil, capsized Liberian ship poses another environmental threat. It's all over Kerala & TN coasts
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC issues interim stay on Lakshadweep order removing Arabic and Mahal from the school curriculum
Kochi: High court has deferred the implementation of the office order issued by Lakshadweep administration, which removed Arabic and Mahal languages from the school curriculum in the Union Territory, until further orders. The bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji passed the interim order on a PIL filed by P I Ajas Akber, president of the Lakshadweep unit of the National Students Union. The impugned order, dated May 14, sought to replace Mahal, a local language spoken in Minicoy Island, and Arabic from the school syllabus. The interim order was issued on Thursday following the petitioner's submission that schools in the Union Territory are scheduled to reopen on June 9. During the afternoon session, the central govt counsel mentioned the matter and submitted that the implementation of the impugned order would not begin on June 9, but from July 1. He also argued that there was no urgency to issue an interim order. However, as the petitioner's counsel was not present during that session, the court adjourned the matter to June 9. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
All Indian Union Territories also have an official animal, see list here
The union territories of India are administrative divisions that the central government governs. They are different from the states of India, which have their own governments. Most are known for their diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. Each UT has an official animal representing its ecological heritage and conservation efforts. Here's a list of the official animals of India's Union Territories and their significance. The Dugong, or sea cow, is a gentle marine mammal found in the warm coastal waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As a herbivore, it plays a crucial role in maintaining seagrass beds. However, the Dugong is now classified as vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting. The Indian Grey Mongoose is known for its agility and fearlessness, particularly its ability to take on venomous snakes. Found in forests and urban areas alike, this small carnivore symbolizes adaptability and resilience in Chandigarh. The Asiatic Lion, a subspecies distinct from its African counterpart, is a powerful symbol of strength and pride. Found only in Gujarat's Gir Forest, it represents the region's efforts to conserve its rare wildlife. The Nilgai, or blue bull, is India's largest antelope commonly seen in the Aravalli forests and outskirts of Delhi. Though often mistaken for cattle, this herbivore is essential to the region's biodiversity. The Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, is an endangered species found primarily in the Dachigam National Park. Its population is dwindling due to poaching and habitat loss, so conservation efforts are vital for its survival. Ladakh's rugged terrain is home to the elusive Snow Leopard, a majestic predator adapted to extreme cold. Its presence signifies the region's rich high-altitude biodiversity and ongoing conservation initiatives. Unlike most UTs with mammals as their official animals, Lakshadweep chose the Butterflyfish, a vibrant reef fish that symbolizes the pristine marine ecosystems of the archipelago. This small, striped squirrel is commonly seen in urban and forested areas of Puducherry. It is associated with Hindu mythology and serves as an important seed disperser in its habitat.
