CM says English in govt schools won’t harm Kannada

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday said that the state government had initiated steps to implement the decision of English education in government schools from the first standard.

Addressing the gathering during the 63rd Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, Kumaraswamy, however, stressed that the decision would neither hurt Kannada nor the sovereign status of the state language.

“I am however aware that the decision has attracted criticism from some quarters. Our purpose of providing English education is only limited towards communication purposes only. We will not let English ride over Kannada’s sovereignty. The government wants to ensure that students from rural areas learn English so that they can remain competitive,” he added

Noting that many of the youths seeking employment during Janata Darshans, lacked adequate skills and communication ability, he said that the government was taking measures, including English education, to address the issue.

While a job mela with the participation of 53 companies was held recently, the government has also decided to set up three skill development varsities, he said. “Our children, especially from rural areas should overcome their inferiority complex and forge through the challenges,” he said. In his address, he urged the teaching fraternity to work harder towards the overall reformation of the education department, which he said could help to ensure a Nobel prize in literature for a Kannada writer in the future.

He also said that folk fairs would be revived in the state, which, he said would act as a “bridge between the folk cultures of rural and urban areas”. This would also provide a good platform for folk artists to perform in various stages across the state.

Hot milk for special kids

Stating that there would be no compromise in providing quality education, the chief minister said from Thursday the free hot milk distribution scheme would be extended to 10,567 special children studying in 153 special children schools, run by NGOs in the state.

The government is already providing milk to 58.30 lakh students in government schools under the Ksheera Bhagya scheme.

State’s unification

Kumaraswamy also asked the people of the state to reject voices demanding a division of Karnataka. Urging people not to pay heed to “false propaganda”, Kumaraswamy promised to ensure all-round development of the state.

“On this occasion, I request the people of Karnataka to reject voices, from various parts of the state, demanding separate statehood. Let us join hands to build Karnataka as the children of a single mother,” he added.