Warangal: Not all that easy but passable

Warangal: It appears that the State government's push to English medium learning in State-run schools from next academic year is not all that easy but passable. The Hans India spoke to a cross section of people including teachers, parents and students to elicit information from them about the government's initiative.

In the wake of English being the widely used language in the corporate world, the language has become one of the most important employability skills that no one opposes. Although the government's decision to bring in a legislation to introduce English as medium of instruction, it has to overcome initial hiccups especially in regard with the capabilities of teaching staff which by and large lacks skills to teach in English.

Kakatiya University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Thatikonda Ramesh opined, "It's a well-thought-out decision by the State government. Infusing English right from primary education will do a world of good to the students. English should not become a barrier in their career. According to a study, above 90 per cent of youth who finished graduation can't speak in English. As a result, a majority of students, despite having academic brilliance, fall apart in their career. Indeed a bitter truth to digest." Prof. Ramesh said that any reformative decision will have its own set of problems before it was put into practice and the government will surely address them aptly.

Government teacher from ZPHS, Kadipikonda under Kazipet mandal, BV Rajagopal who welcomed the State government's decision said, "Changing medium of instruction to English is not all that easy, however, with proper planning and implementation. Hopefully, the government was thinking on those lines. First and foremost, the State needs to address the language barrier of the teachers. At least 90 per cent of the teachers have come from Telugu medium background; hence, they need training and orientation classes to polish their English skills."

At the same time, the government should give preference to the mother tongue, Telugu, which shapes the personality development of a student, besides evolving the thought process in them. In fact, the Kothari Commission has also recommended regional/mother languages as first language, Rajagopal said.

"We are moving in the right direction that helps students, especially those hailing from rural areas. A majority of parents prefer private institutions that impart education in English. Although we have competent and dedicated teachers, people do not prefer State-run schools just because they want their wards industry-ready, especially with communication skills," Manganuri Murali, a senior photographer in Hanumakonda, said.

"Better late than never. Finally, the government has come of age noticing the importance of English knowledge. This will resolve the problem of communication skills faced by the youth," A Damodar Reddy, a private employee, said.