Karnataka: Academy wants Konkani till class 5 in schools

MANGALURU: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy is mulling over introducing Konkani as one of the optional languages in lower primary schools under the National education Policy system.
The NEP stresses that wherever possible, the medium of instruction until at least grade five, but preferably till grade eight and beyond, will be the home language/mother tongue/local language/regional language, in public and private schools.
Academy chairman Dr Jagadish Pai said on Saturday that the academy has had preliminary discussions with chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and minister for school education, literacy and Sakala B C Nagesh.
"Initially, when the idea was proposed, there was a mixed response to the introduction of the language in schools. However, after much convincing, chief minister Bommai and education minister Nagesh have agreed to take this forward. They have asked the academy to prepare a syllabus after which a decision will be taken," Dr Pai said.
He added that a committee was preparing a syllabus that will be submitted to the government. "The NEP allows promoting the mother tongue and we do not want to miss upon the chance," he said.
He said the response was positive regarding teaching Konkani as a subject in high schools as well as an MA in Konkani. "The demand for the course will grow only when it is promoted in schools and it opens up job opportunities for those who have completed MA," Dr Pai said.
An academy member said the introduction of Konkani in schools would have challenges such getting teachers and salaries.