English should be made medium in govt schools: Rahul

B R Hills, Karnataka, Mar 25 (UNI) AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi today said English language should be made medium of instruction in government schools as it would provide Dalit and tribal students better opportunities.

Interacting with Tribals at Biligiriranga Hills in Chamarajanagara district, where he kicked off his five-day tour of the state, he said students from poor families should be provided English medium education as it would help their future.

''I will take up this matter at the appropriate level to help the poor students,'' he said.

Appreciating the state for being well ahead in terms of providing basic education, Mr Gandhi said there was still a long way to bridge the gap in providing quality education to all.

''Both the quantum and the quality of education being provided in government schools should be elevated and expanded,'' he said.

Asked about providing reservation in judiciary and fee subsidy in IIMs and IITs for OBC and SC/ST students, he said ''it was a policy decision.'' About alleged discrimination in development of Railway in Karnataka, he said he would take up the matter with the Centre.

However, it was noteworthy that the Karnataka budget presented by Union Finance Minister in the Parliament had an enhanced plan outlay of 22 per cent compared to last year.

It may be recalled that the previous JD(S)-BJP government's decision to introduce English as a subject from the first standard in government last year met with stiff opposition and the government was forced to shelve it.

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