Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jul 5: Following the government's recent approval of English medium sections in over 4,000 government primary schools across Karnataka, 45 schools in Udupi district —spanning Kundapur, Byndoor, and Karkala— have been shortlisted to begin English instruction alongside Kannada from the current academic year.

The move comes after the earlier inclusion of schools in Dakshina Kannada, and reflects the state’s effort to expand bilingual learning opportunities to rural students, enabling them to gain English language skills without abandoning Kannada as their foundation.

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The selected schools are part of a statewide programme to introduce English medium education in 4,134 government primary schools by leveraging local resources. This approval marks a significant shift in rural education strategy, focusing on equipping government school students with English communication skills from an early stage.

According to education officials, schools were chosen based on student enrolment numbers, with the top 15 high-enrolment schools from each educational zone considered first. In zones with fewer than 15 eligible schools, all qualifying institutions were approved.

The demand for English instruction has also been rising among parents in rural and semi-urban regions, many of whom seek alternatives to costly private schooling.

In the Kundapur educational zone, the approved schools include Gangolli’s Konchady Radha Shenoy Higher Primary School, and the government schools in Heskattur, Shedimane, Badakere Hangalur, Moodlakatte, Hengavalli, Yadadi-Mathyadi, Haladi, Hunsemakki, Kundapura town, Nujikorgi, Madamaki, Chikkanasal, and Thombattu-Machattu. The list also includes Kodi’s Haji K Muhiyuddin Bary Memorial Aided Higher Primary School.

In the Byndoor zone, English medium instruction has been approved for schools in Yalajit, Tarapathi, Movadi, Keradi, Aji Mananje, Golihole, Hemmadi, Talluru, Kodery, Padukone, Edurukunjadi, Medical Uppunda, Atyadi, Mortu-Bellala, and KPS Nembu-Karkunje.

In the Karkala zone, the selected schools are located in Kucharu, Kolake Irvattur, Kukkudje, Ajekaru Marne, Palli, Eliyala-Kauduru, Kervashe, Soodi-Shirlalu, Kallaguppe, Kairabetta-Kalya, Jarkala, Padukudru, Kalathrapade-Nallur, Chikkalbetta-Hirgana, and Konkanarabetta-Kabbinahale.

Block education officer Shobha Shetty confirmed that the schools will begin implementing English medium sections within this academic year. Meetings have already been conducted with School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) to plan the transition using available local resources.

“The government order has been received. We will begin English instruction this year itself using the support of the community and existing school infrastructure. Additional facilities will be provided in stages,” she stated.