Chief Minister of Karnataka, H D Kumaraswamy, has recently announced to open doors of opportunities for larger section of children across the state by introducing English-medium classes in government schools.
The state had been following the language policy (1994) mandating the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction in primary classes. CM Kumaraswamy had made an attempt to revise the mandate, and bring in English language to classes I – V in government schools.
While some parents and educationists see the move as one of the most positive and progressive changes in school education, few fear that English will swallow their native language.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education N Mahesh has said the move is needed as students have moved away from government to private schools even in rural areas.
Authorities involved in bring the change in education system are of the belief that children in government schools come mostly from poor socio-economic backgrounds and are mostly first-generation learners. The revised decision will bring similar opportunities that come easily to children from private English-medium schools.
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While speaking with a tabloid, a professor from Government College in the state said that the 24 years of “mother tongue” formula has not done much in terms of improving comprehension levels or academic performances, if pass percentage in schools is any indication. Instead, what it has certainly done is hamper the ability of students to learn any language well.
Professor claims that students coming from Kannada-medium schools, speaking Kannada mixed with English, which means that students are neither proficient in English, nor in Kannada. Introducing English in primary school will put students at an advantageous position in higher education, and later in the employment market.
