The Hindu : Karnataka News : Kamat tries to clear air over language row

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Karnataka

Karnataka

Kamat tries to clear air over language row

Special Correspondent

‘Parents have a right to choose the medium'
The decision is warranted with the change in times: CM

Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Digambar V. Kamat has stated that no grants have been stopped to Marathi and Konkani medium primary schools and they would continue to enjoy all facilities from the Government.

However, justifying his government's decision to give grants to English medium primary schools, he said parents had a right to choose medium of instruction for their children and if any parent wanted English as medium of instruction government could not deprive them of their democratic right. Therefore the Government felt that grants should also be given to schools imparting primary education in English language, he added.

“The Government decision is warranted with the change in times. This was the demand of the people," the Chief Minister said.

"Fifty two thousands parents had presented a signed memorandum to the Government.

"There are 140 non- aided English primary schools in the State,” Mr Kamat said in an interview to a local news channel on Monday.

Mr. Kamat said the matter of medium of instruction was deliberated in Goa and in Delhi with the Central leaders and claimed he had also consulted educationists.

“Educationists had divergent opinions. In the meeting convened by the Congress High Command in Delhi to resolve the imbroglio, everybody was given a chance to express his/her views,” said Mr. Kamat.

Opposition to the government decision is spearheaded by Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch which is mounting pressure on the ruling coalition partners and the Congress legislators.

The issue also appears to be dividing the ruling coalition on communal lines.

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