&c., to be drawn by the interpreter and quarter-master annually and in advance. The instruction of the men in the essential knoweldge of reading and writing to qualify them for non-commissioned officers should be duly encouraged by the commanding officers and the formation of schools promoted under the tuition of the Moonshee, Pundit, and Moolvee; and while Government would wish to refrain from interference in the amount of consideration payable by the pupils to their masters for the trouble and time devoted to their instruction, it is still essential that a maximum shall be fixed to limit the demands of the latter. It is therefore directed that no sepoy shall pay more than 2 annas per mensem to each or either of his teachers, and that no havildar or naick shall be charged more than 4 annas per mensem for the period of his instruction either in Hindee or Persian. The study or attendance is to be entirely voluntary and the details regulated by the regimental Moonshee and the interpreter and quarter-master of the corps, under the authority of the officer commanding. From and after the 1st July, 1826, no sepoy will be promoted to the rank of a non-commissioned officer in any corps of the line, without a competent knowledge of reading and writing in at least one language, except for distinguished conduct or bravery in the field.”
The following extensions and modifications of the above order have been subsequently directed. A General Order by the Right Honourable the Governor General in Council, dated 5th April, 1825, extends No. 70 of 1825 to the native artillery. A General Order by the Right Honourable the Vice-President in Council, dated 13th September, 1827, directs that when the regimental Moonshee, Pundit, or Moolvee, proceeds on leave of absence for a period of exceeding a month, he shall either provide an approved substitute to perform the duties of his situation in his stead, or in failure thereof forfeit all allowances during the time of his absence. It is further directed that the allowance of 60 rupees granted for the provision of shed, stationery, &c., &c., for the use of the regimental school, be drawn at the rate of 5 rupees per mensem in place of being drawn annually and in advance; and commanding officers are desired to see that the school allowance is applied to the purposes for which it is destined. A General Order by the Honourable the Governor General in Council, dated 3rd April, 1828, modified Regulation
