From daijiworld's special correspondent
 
Panaji, Jul 4: The Goa cabinet on Tuesday decided to refer controversial "Marigold" English text book for standard one to the state board of studies.

The book had received lots of criticism with language protagonists launching agitation against the book coupled with the state government's decision to implement English subject at primary level.

"Most likely we will amend the book.. we are trying either to simplify the book or train the teachers," Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane told mediapersons briefing about the cabinet meeting.

Marigold, an English text book for standard one, had kicked off a controversy with language protagonists and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioning the viability of the book for primary standard. The agitation opposing implementation of English as a compulsory subject at primary level has also began in the state.

"We will continue our decision to implement English subject as a compulsory one for standard one.. we are just having a review of the book," Rane clarified emerging out from the cabinet meeting which discussed several key issues.

"Actually, the book the introduced to teach verbal English to the students. We have noticed that children who are getting into fifth standard from vernacular schools are not able to cope up with the English language," he said.

The chief minister said that English being an universal language is used everywhere. "Even in remote towns you will see English boards. Whether you like it or not, English has proliferated to such a depth that no one can help it," he said.