The Andhra Pradesh government has begun the consultation process for converting all Telugu medium municipal schools in the state into English medium schools.
It was in January that the state government had issued an order stating that the medium of instruction in all municipal schools be made English.
This decision however stands in a state of temporary suspension.
Consultations though have begun with schools in Greater Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and the Nehru Municipal School. The process of consultation is expected to be completed by April 23 and the reports will be handed over to the government, The Hindu reported.
Many teachers in the state are unhappy with this move and have been opposing this decision by the government. “There are English government schools and there are Telugu government schools. The State Teachers’ Union is against the decision of converting Telugu medium schools to English medium ones,” said Kathi Narasimha Reddy, President of the State Teachers’ Union.
Frowning upon the government’s decision, Gurumurthy, an advocate by profession who studied in a Telugu medium school, said that teachers who’ve always been teaching in Telugu may not be proficient in teaching in English.
“I think it is not a good decision as the teachers in Telugu medium schools will not be able to teach the students correct English,” he said. “Also, I am from a Telugu medium school and I know the studies differ in Telugu and English medium schools. The government seems to be unaware of it.”
There are also those who have supported the government stating that English is a must today to survive in a highly competitive world.
Ashish Naradi, member of Hyderabad School Parents Association (HSPA) told The News Minute, “The decision is much required and welcomed. Today, it is difficult to find a good job if one doesn’t know English.”
But, he added, this could also work against students who have been studying in Telugu medium schools. There is an inferiority complex among regional language students. They are looked down upon in front of a person who knows English. If this decision is put into force, it will only increase this complex among Telugu medium students.”
Another HSPA member, Ramanjit Singh, said that whatever be the medium, the essence of what children are taught should not be compromised. “Converting Telugu medium municipal schools into English medium ones should not be a problem. The mother tongue can be made the first language or the second but the essence of education should not be lost,” he said.