Bengaluru: Amidst the ongoing SSLC (Class 10) examinations in the state, several pro-Kannada organizations have issued a stern warning to the government, demanding the cancellation of the Hindi language exam. The federation of organizations has threatened to besiege examination centers if the government proceeds with the test.

Demand for 'Pass Without Hindi' Rule

A delegation led by prominent Kannada activists Sa. Ra. Govindu, Shivaramé Gowda, and Manju Ganapathipura met with Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa to submit their representation. The federation urged that "Hindi must be completely removed from the SSLC curriculum. A new rule, 'Pass Without Hindi,' should be implemented to allow students to clear their exams without appearing for the Hindi paper."

Postponement of Exam Sparks Protests

The Hindi exam was originally scheduled for March 30. However, due to Mahavir Jayanti, it has been postponed to March 31. The activists are adamant that this exam should not be conducted under any circumstances.

Key Demands of the Activists:

Stop Hindi Imposition: They argue that making Hindi a compulsory subject in education is a form of language imposition and must be stopped immediately.

Warning of Siege: If the government does not revise its decision and conducts the exam on March 31, protests will be launched, and examination centers across the state will be besieged.

Safeguarding Student Interests: The activists demand that student results be declared based on other subjects, excluding the Hindi marks.

Activists' Statement: "Kannada is sovereign in Karnataka. There is no necessity to make Hindi exams mandatory here. If the government does not respond to our demands, we will be forced to take our struggle to the streets," the delegation warned.

Following this development, there is a likelihood of tightened police security at examination centers, and all eyes are now on the Education Department's next move.