From Sanjay Borkar in Margao for Daijiworld News Network - Goa

Margao, Jun 14: Lok Shakti has welcomed Goa government decision to teach English from 1st Std. in primary schools where medium of instruction is in regional language.

Executive President of Lok Shakti Datta Naik has also said that this decision would reduce the exodus of students towards primary English medium schools.

It is found that students from primary regional language are diffident and lag behind in studies in 5th Std. only because of lack of adequate knowledge of English. Those opposing introduction of English in Standard I are not appreciating this ground reality. In the past, masses were deprived access to Sanskrit and only certain sections of society had a monopoly of knowledge. Such mistakes should not be repeated by denying knowledge of English language to the students coming from vulnerable sections of society, Naik has said further.

Lok Shakti delegation which called on Education Minister Luizinho Faleiro and requested him to start dialogue with various NGOs on the subject and be receptive to any positive suggestion with regard to smooth implementation of this decision.

Lok Shakti is of the opinion that issues related to education should not be politicized.