'Children need right to choose medium of instruction'

The State government should give children their right to choose the medium of instruction under Child Rights Act. Only then will mother tongue get more importance in education, said secretary of Deenabandhu organisation G S Jayadeva, here, on Saturday.

Speaking at the district-level Mock Parliament programme, organised by Child Protection Unit and NGOs at KDP auditorium in the city, he said, children find satisfaction in simple rural life.

Early education

“The first five years of a child is very important to develop its personalities. Awareness should be created among children against superstitions. It is sad that the Central government allots only four per cent of its budget for children’s welfare,” he said.

Children too have concern for the society they live in. Opinion of children about various issues should be respected. If we develop self-confidence among children, they will strive to achieve excellence. An environment to facilitate discussion independent and creative thinking must be provided, he said.

Caste system

Deputy Director of Public Instruction N Chandregowda said, untouchability has resulted in several anomalies in the society. Caste system is getting strengthened due to organising of people to gain politically, so, children, especially girls, are victimised, he said.
Education must not only teach civility, but also bring out the inherent talent of every child. Children from rural areas must be given more importance in this regard, he said.