Angela Merkel raises issue of scrapping of German language in KVs with PM Modi

Brisbane: Amid the row over German language being replaced with Sanskrit in the Kendriya Vidyalayas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday said that Berlin would be grateful if New Delhi can work out a system whereby the children in Indian schools can learn German.

The statement came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Brisbane.

"There are other mechanisms in India whereby foreign languages can be learned by children in colleges not as a third language, but as any other language. The Prime Minister and Chancellor Merkel are aware of this. There is no specificity in terms of what language it should be, but that Germany would be grateful if India can work out a system whereby children in Indian schools can learn German," MEA official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told the media here.

He added that Prime Minister Modi has said it was important for young children to learn as many languages as possible because it would help them in their growth, integration, job opportunities outside as well as in growing as individuals.

Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani had earlier on Friday defended the decision, saying the existing arrangement was in violation of the three language formula.

Irani, however, clarified that German had not been removed in its entirety, adding that now the language shall be taught under the 'foreign language' category.

According to reports, this move had disappointed the German Government.