Opening a new chapter in Punjab's academic history, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that the Government schools will teach students A-B-C, along with "ura, aira, irri," from the start.
Capt Amarinder maintained that English language will be introduced in all Punjab schools from Class I. He said that the decision would be a part of the State Government's move of revamping its education policy.
Other than that, the Chief Minister also declared that teaching of one other foreign language will also be introduced in the State's schools from Class X.
There has been a demand from different sections that English language should be taught along with Punjabi language in all Government schools from lower classes. It has been argued that knowledge of English language is inevitable to prepare the students to face future
challenges.
The Education Department, during the previous SAD-BJP Government, was considering the ways to strengthen the anganwari centres by working in tandem with the State Welfare Department, where the students be taught English right from the starting level. However, the same did not materialize.
The matter was also discussed at length in the Vidhan Sabha, with the majority of legislators too suggesting introducing English language at the earlier stages.
It was argued that due to poor knowledge of English and studying subjects, like Science and Maths, in Punjabi medium up to Class X resulted in increasing drop-out rate as students either leave their studies or they were forced to pursue Arts.
It was also pointed that the all India exams of medical and engineering were held in English language and that would hamper the students from moving further.
Interestingly, the State Government declared Punjabi as official language in all office and file works, besides declaring it compulsory in all educational institutions.