The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Success’ a damp squib?

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Wednesday, Aug 06, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Success’ a damp squib?

J.S. Ifthekhar

Students reluctant to switch over to CBSE syllabus

Of 135 schools, project operational in 119
Enrolment zero in remaining 16 schools

Hyderabad: Not a flop totally, but not a complete success either. Contrary to its name the ‘SUCESS project’ under which English medium with CBSE syllabus is introduced in some governmentet high schools is certainly not a hit with the students. With much fanfare, the project was launched in 135 identified high schools in the twin cities on June 12. But nearly two months later, enrolment in the sixth class parallel section remains just 3,200.

Interestingly, the project is operational only in 119 schools. In the remaining 16 schools, the enrolment has been zero till date. That’s SUCCESS for you. The lukewarm response to English medium and CBSE syllabus in the State capital has baffled officials who expected the urban poor to go bonkers over it.

The project is intended to provide equitable opportunities for children of rural and urban poor to obtain education at high school level in English medium for better educational and employment opportunities.

Despite publicity, meetings with parents and persuasions, students are reluctant to switch over to the CBSE syllabus. Schools where there is nil enrolment are: GHS Asifnagar, GGHS Majeedia, GBHS Humayunagar No 1, GHS Seetharampet, GHS Jangammet, GHS Falaknuma, GHS Shakkergunj, GBHS Shagunj, GBHS Urdu Sharif, GBHS Moghaplura, GBHS Vattepally, GHS Jahanuma, GHS Banjara Hills, GGHS Tirumalghery and GBHS Second Lancer. Even in schools where students have joined the VI class English medium, the strength is very poor. In many schools, it is as low as 10 to 15. Only the Government High School, Yousufguda, boasts of 85 students followed by TDS Bandlaguda (68) and GBHS Moghalpura No. 3 (60).

The delayed launch of the project is said to be the main reason for the poor response. By the time the district authorities introduced the SUCCESS on June 12, many students who wanted English medium, had already joined private schools. Many parents are also unwilling to admit their children into English medium as they are not in a position to help them at home, it is said.

“I am sure next year more students will switch over to English medium,” said Hyderabad District Educational Officer, B. Mallamma.

No qualified teachers

Though CBSE syllabus is introduced, there are no qualified teachers to teach. Schools are forced to make do with the Urdu and Telugu medium teachers. In many schools staff rooms are being used to run the parallel English medium section.

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