36 govt schools to introduce Eng medium in Dharwad

Dharwad: After failing to attract students in large numbers to state-run schools through various means, the state government has now embarked upon introducing English as a medium of instruction in government schools across the state, braving opposition from pro-Kannada academicians, organizations and activists.
Accordingly, in Dharwad district English medium sections have started from the academic year 2019-2020 in 28 government schools and eight Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) from class 1.
The government was forced to introduce English as a medium of instruction at the primary level as even in rural areas which did not have basic amenities, parents were keen to send their children to English medium schools paying hefty fees and as a result several private English medium schools had come in these villages. Consequently, the number of students in government Kannada primary schools was on the decline and in several places Kannada schools faced the threat of closure.
Chief minister Kumarswamy took the bold decision to start English medium sections in government schools. The response has been overwhelming.
Officials of the education department said in Dharwad district out of 219 lower primary schools, English medium sections will be opened in 28 schools initially. Teachers have been recruited to teach English medium classes and they have been trained. The English medium classes will commence from June 10.
LKG in public schools
To attract more students, the government started Karnataka Public Schools last year with LKG being introduced in these schools from this academic year. There will be one KPS in each assembly constituency and a child admitted to LKG in these schools can complete PUC too in the same school.
The government which had sanctioned Rs five lakh to each public school last year is likely to provide Rs 50 lakh each this year to enhance facilities in the schools. “The education department has decided to ensure that these public schools match private schools in infrastructure and other facilities” said an official. Deputy director of public instruction Gajanan Mannikeri said the number of students will increase in the coming years in these schools.
New Classes
Villages in Dharwad district which have English medium sections from class I
Dharwad Rural: Karadigudda, Kamalapur, Lokur, Kurubagatti.
Hubballi-Dharwad West: Navalur, TCW Dharwad, Anand Nagar, Hubballi, Navanagar.
H-D Central: Nagashettikoppa, Bhairidevarakoppa, Gopanakoppa, Unakal.
H-D East: Kasabapet Urdu School, Nekar Nagar, Bidnal, S M Krishna Nagar Urdu School.
Kalghatagi: Bammigatti, Beerawalli, Belawantar, Kuruvunakoppa.
Kundgol: Rayanal,Kurdikeri,Gudageri, Girls’ School, Kundgol.
Navalgund: Urdu School Navalgund, Government Primary School no, 2 annigeri, Shalawadi, Amargol.