English medium schools: CM angry with ChamPa

'He should not cross limits'

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy challenged litterateur Chandrashekhar Patil to make public which schools his grandchildren are going, a day after Dr Patil asked Kumaraswamy to follow 'maitri dharma' by continuing the commitment shown by the previous government to protect government schools.

"ChamPa should not cross his limits, and only those issues which are relevant on the platform of Kannada Sahitya Sammelana should be there. Did I form the coalition government by consulting him," Kumaraswamy asked.

Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, he said, "ChamPa asked me not to be Kuttharaswamy (detrimental) for Kannada. I could have also used such words, and could have spoken louder. I did not attend Sahitya Sammelana to embarrass somebody or to enter into a conflict. I am also in favour of protecting Kannada, and this government would not allow any threat to for our language".

ChamPa lauded Siddaramaiah government for forming a committee to recommend steps for protecting Kannada schools. Let him give certificates to anybody, but he should discuss reality and suggest solutions. Sammelana president Chandrashekhar Kambar himself noted that admission in government schools came down by 13 lakh in four years from 2013-14 and it increased by 15 lakh in private schools. Did it happen in last six months, and am I the reason for this situation, Kumaraswamy asked.

Let close down all private English medium schools, if the Kannada Sahitya Parishat passes a resolution. Let them think whether it is practical or not, he noted.

The CM also reiterated that a final decision about starting English medium in government schools would be taken after discussing the issue in a meeting of experts.