Date:08/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/08/stories/2007020801090300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Erode

French teachers' plea to Government

Staff Reporter

ERODE: The president of the Indian Association of Teachers of French (IATF), S. Ananda Vadivelou, in a memorandum appealed to the Education Minister to grant state rank in the Plus Two exam for French students.

Mr. Vadivelou said that since 1953, when the Association was formed, it had been in the forefront for promoting the growth of French language in India. The study of foreign languages had gained momentum in the country generally. He said the Association is happy that the State Government is promoting Tamil at lower levels in schools. At the Plus Two level, state rank is granted to students who opt for Tamil as second language.

Of late, emphasis is being given to Information Technology with proper communication skills in different foreign languages. "Keeping this in mind, we request you to announce state rank for French students also along with other languages. We want due recognition for French from the Minister."

The memorandum also said that at present Tamil students are getting monetary benefits from the Government.