Marathi academy opposes introduction of English subject at primary NT Staff Reporter
Panaji Jan 20: The Gomantak Marathi Academy today opposed the decision of the government to introduce English subject in all primary schools, irrespective of the medium of their instruction, from the forthcoming academic year. A memorandum presented to the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane, today by the president of the GMA, Mr Gurudas Sawal said that a circular recently issued by the Directorate of Education to all the primary schools in the state, is a wrong move which would de-link the students, especially Goan students from their roots. The memorandum further observes, "the educationists world over are of the opinion that primary education must be provided in the mother-tongue. The dissemination of education in mother-tongue imbibes the local culture into the minds of the students in a better way." "The Academy believes and supports the view that English language is very much essential for education. For that purpose, there exists a system of introducing English subject from class III. The Academy feels that there is no need to make any change in this set up," the memorandum points out. The memorandum warns of unnecessarily pressurizing the minds of the young kids, if English is introduced as a subject at the primary level, thus harming their intellectual growth. The Academy has also requested the Chief Minister of withdrawing the circular and giving necessary directions to the Minister for Education, Mr Luizinho Faleiro.
