Karnataka government moots a three-tier language policy

[Harold F. Schiffman]

>>From the Deccan Herald

Karnataka government moots a three-tier language policy

Bangalore, UNI:

The Karnataka Government proposes to introduce a three-tier formula
language policy in the State, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education
Basavaraj Horatti said today. Under the proposed policy, Kannada will be
made compulsory in English medium schools, English will be compulsory from
first standard in Kannada Medium Schools and Kannada will become
compulsory from third standard in Linguistic Minority Schools, he added.

Talking to newsmen here, he said that the proposal will be placed before
the Cabinet and depending on the direction it would be implemented either
from this academic year or the next year. Mr Horatti said that the
proposed policy will help promoting Kannada and students will get
opportunity to learn Kannada and English language from primary level
itself. '' I hope there may not be any opposition for the proposed
policy'', he added. He said that the government plans to come out with an
Ordinance to streamline appointment and transfer of teaching and
non-teaching staff to be implemented from next year.

Mr Horatti said that with a view to provide housing facility for teaching
staff working in rural areas it was proposed to construct 1000 houses in
the first phase.

http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/may102006/update1310532006510.asp