Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Italy’s government has passed a decree to cap the number of students with limited Italian language skills in each classroom and to ban face-covering Islamic veils in schools. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative government said the measures are meant to strengthen integration through language learning.
The package has been backed by Meloni’s right-wing allies, but it has also drawn criticism from some educators, unions and opposition parties. They have warned that the new rules could force some students to attend schools far from their neighbourhoods, while critics have accused the government of turning immigration into a political issue.
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Under the plan, no more than 30 per cent of students in any classroom can be those who do not have sufficient Italian language skills. The limit will be based on language ability rather than citizenship, and it will also apply to students from other European Union countries who do not speak Italian.
The decree takes effect immediately, but it must be approved by parliament within 60 days. Meloni’s coalition holds a majority in parliament. In a social media post, Meloni said these are “common-sense measures that do not divide but help foster genuine integration, avoiding ‘ghetto’ classrooms and giving all students equal opportunities”.
The move comes as Meloni faces growing pressure on her right from retired army General Roberto Vannacci, a new hard-line challenger who has been trying to tap voter concerns over immigration and national identity. With elections possible as early as next spring, analysts say the measures give Meloni a chance to underline her position on issues important to her conservative support base, even though their impact may be limited and there are still major questions over how they would be enforced.
In sum, the decree combines new classroom language limits with a ban on face-covering Islamic veils in schools, with the government presenting it as an integration measure and opponents warning of practical difficulties and political messaging around immigration.
With PTI Inputs
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
