The parents of students studying in some primary Government schools of Uttarakhand are in for a surprise when they would realise that the humble school of their village is now an English medium institution.
The education department is planning to install big signboards mentioning that these 144 schools are English medium schools under Project English.It is interesting to note that the department is in process of selecting the teachers for ‘Project English’.
The process of translation of books is still pending but the department is showing undue hurry in installing sign boards. In a recent review meeting of ‘Project English’, the Director General of School education Radhika Jha had asked the officials of the department to install sign boards in the 144 schools which are under project by December 15.
The State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) which is operating the 'Project English' in 144 schools as pilot project is now planning to add 182 more schools of the State from next session. At present the project is covering the students of class I and II only in these schools. The department is now planning translation of all the textbooks of classes III, IV and V so that these classes are also included in the project.
The DG of school education has directed the DIET principals to ensure that regular monitoring and educational support of English medium schools is done by them.The intention of Radhika Jha and senior officers of education department appears genuine but those who know about the state of affairs in the department believe that instead of focusing on English, the department should first focus on providing sufficient teachers and infrastructure in the primary schools.