In Puducherry, Leader of the Opposition R. Siva has announced a protest against the CBSE directive making a third language compulsory for Class Six students from the 2026-27 academic year as part of the National Education Policy and the National Curriculum Framework 2023. In a statement, Mr Siva alleged that the three-language formula, which allows the study of one foreign language and two regional languages, will lead to the removal of French while retaining English.

The Opposition Leader alleged that the decision would erode Puducherry’s unique French cultural identity and affect the rights of local communities. He also expressed concern over the impact on French language teachers and their livelihoods. Calling the move a threat to the country’s diversity, he urged the Union Government to withdraw the decision immediately. Mr Siva announced that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Puducherry unit would organise a large-scale protest condemning the move and defending linguistic rights.