Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday defended the government’s decision to introduce English medium in 1,000 of its schools.

He argued that the call was taken keeping in mind “the future of children from the underprivilaged sections,” especially in North Karnataka.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the 84th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, where several writers had appealed that the government reverse its decision.

Speaking prior to him, president of previous sammelana Chandrashekar Patil demanded that the Chief Minister spell out the government’s stand in “unambiguous” terms. He even argued that it was part of the “coalition dharma” to do so, citing the previous government’s commitment on implementing 21 recommendations made by seven-member committee to strengthen government schools.

However, Mr. Kumaraswamy said that while he was committed to protecting and promoting Kannada language, he would also have to consider the “future of the children”.

He argued that imparting education in the regional language to one section of society and in English to another had divided society. Only children of the privileged sections had access to quality education and the children of underprivileged sections were deprived of it, he added. “As a result, several youth, especially those from the backward areas of the State, are failing to tap career potential.... It is not right to deprive any child from accessing quality education in the guise of linguistic pride,” he said. Stoutly defending his stand, the Chief Minister said the decision to introduce English in government schools was not a knee-jerk reaction but a well-thought-out decision. He, however, said that he was ready to discuss this issue openly with experts, educationists, and writers. He also appealed to them to come forward with suggestions, taking ground realities into consideration. He said the government was prepared to implement “reasonable and rational” solutions.