• The Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was introduced on November 11, 2021, in the Punjab Assembly.  The Bill amends the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages Act, 2008.  The Act provides that from 2009-10 onwards: (i) Punjabi must be taught as a compulsory subject from Classes I to X, and (ii) Hindi must be taught as a compulsory subject from Classes III to VIII.  This provision applies to all schools in Punjab.
   
• Penalty: The Act specifies the penalties to be recovered from schools that do not adhere to the Act.  The Bill increases the penalty for schools violating the Act or the Rules made under it (see Table 1).  Note that the violation is counted (first time, second time and third time) only if it occurs for a month.  The Bill also empowers the state government to enhance or reduce the penalty, if necessary.

Table 1: Penalty amount (in rupees)

Sources: Punjab Learning of Punjabi and other Languages (Amendment) Bill, 2021; PRS.