Introduction of Punjabi language in Govt Schools demanded

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: Jammu and Kashmir Punjabi Forum has demanded introduction of Punjabi language in the State Government run Middle and High Schools and filling up of all the sanctioned posts of Punjabi teachers immediately.
The Forum also warned a mass agitation if the Punjabi language is not given its due share in the State.
Talking to media persons, here today, Simranjeet Singh, president of the Forum, accused the State Government of intentionally ignoring Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite sanctioning of 300 posts of school teachers in Jammu and Kashmir by the Union Minister for Human Resources Development (HRD) in 2007, the State Government has not filled even a single position,” he alleged and demanded immediate filling up of these 300 posts for introducing Punjabi language in Middle and High Schools here.
Simranjeet Singh also demanded that the posts of Punjabi Lecturer in colleges should also be increased. “Filling up of the posts of school   teachers and increasing number of College lecturers would not only encourage students to take Punjabi subject but also jobs to Punjabi students,” he explained.
The Forum leader lamented that Doordarshan Kendra Jammu was not telecasting any programme in Punjabi notwithstanding that fact that this language is spoken by a large section of people in Jammu as well as in Kashmir.
“We warn the State Government to refrain from discouraging Punjabi in Jammu Kashmir and if our demands are not conceded soon, the Forum will have no option other than to launch a mass agitation,” Simranjeet Singh said.