The Utkal Sammilani Central Committee on Sunday severely opposed the State Government’s decision to open English sections in 118 schools and to introduce Spoken English from Class-I in all schools in the State.
The Sammilani opposed this at a meeting held here under the chairmanship of its president Basant Kumar Tripathy in the presence of general secretary Dr Radhananth Praharaj.
“If English-medium schools are opened and Spoken English introduced, it will be taken that the Government’s move will weaken glorious Odia language and culture,” the Sammilani said.
The Sammilani suggested that the Government introduce a unique syllabus in all schools, including Government-aided and recognised schools, till the secondary level and teach students in English in all English-medium schools with Odia as a compulsory subject. Besides, the Government should appoint more teachers to enhance English knowledge of students in schools.
“The Government should give up the idea of introducing Spoken English and, instead, ensure that children read “Aa Jahna Mamu Sharad Shashi” and “Dhore Baya Do” songs as “Nana Baya Geeta”.
Among others, Dr Gouranga Prasad Behera, Gourang Charan Hota, Reader Duryodhan Parida, Tapas Ranjan Mishra, Trinath Samantray, Banalata Mishra, Prof Kashinath Rath, Pathani Jena and Dr Banambar Parida were present.