Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 2: English medium classes have been introduced in 30 government higher primary schools in the district for the new academic year, with Bantwal block receiving the largest share of these schools.

The state government has approved 1,419 schools to offer bilingual education in English and Kannada. Of these, 30 schools in Dakshina Kannada have been selected. The government has mandated that Mathematics and English be taught according to the NCERT syllabus, while environmental studies and Kannada will follow the Karnataka Textbook Association’s curriculum.

The English Language Training Organization and the Azeem Premji Foundation will provide teachers with handbooks, study and teaching materials, and e-lessons.

Bantwal block has received the largest allocation, with 13 schools selected for the project. Mangaluru North has six schools, Mangaluru South has four, Sullia has four, Puttur has two, and Beltangady has one.

DDPI Venkatesha Patagar expressed optimism about the scheme's reception in rural areas, noting that maximum admissions are typically observed in the district's government primary schools each year.

Patagar added, “English medium lessons are already being conducted in 82 schools in the district, and they have received a positive response. Last year, 2,834 students enrolled. For the 30 newly approved schools, current teachers will handle English medium classes along with Kannada. Teachers have been trained through DIET, and there is no admission limit. The admission process is currently ongoing.”

One teacher noted that in schools offering both English and Kannada mediums, students tend to prefer the English medium, with only a handful opting for Kannada.

In Bantwal block, the selected schools include Government Higher Primary School (GHPS) Moodupadukodi, GHP Model School Okkettur, GHP Model School Kadeshwala, GHPS Shamboor, GHP Model School Mani, GHPS Kavalakatte (Urdu), GHPS Kodange, GHP Model School Thumbay, GHPS Brahmarakootlu, GHPS Mithoor, GHPS Moolarapatna (Urdu), and GHPS Nalkemar. In Beltangady block, GHPS Kashipatna has been selected. In Mangaluru North block, the chosen schools are GHP Model School Marakada, GHPS Karambara, GHPS Sandspit, GHPS Manampady, GHPS Kenjaru, and GHPS Karnire. In Mangaluru South block, GHPS Rajagudde, GHPS New Padpu, GHPS Keenya, and GHPS Urumane have been selected. In Puttur block, GHPS Kodimbadi and GHPS Samethadka are selected. In Sullia block, GHPS Devachalla, Government Model Higher Primary School Panja, Government Model Higher Primary School Arantodu, and GHPS Ajjavara are selected.

During the 2023-24 academic year, 682 students joined English medium classes in 15 schools in Bantwal block, 558 students in 21 schools in Beltangady, 261 students in nine schools in Mangaluru North, 505 students in 16 schools in Mangaluru South, 193 students in five schools in Moodbidri, 443 students in 12 schools in Puttur, and 192 students in four schools in Sullia. In total, 2,834 students have enrolled in English medium classes across 82 government schools in the district.