Date:15/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/15/stories/2007041504900300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Decision on derecognition of schools worries parents

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Members of various parents' associations here on Friday demanded that the Government take responsibility of the education of children studying in schools which face derecognition if they did not switch to Kannada medium as per the Government's language policy.

"Degree holders in Kannada medium run autorickshaws while those who finish 10th standard in English medium get call centre jobs," said Manjula Ghatge, whose first child is in IV standard in a school that faced derecognition. Her second child, due for admission in school, would have to be admitted in a Kannada medium class if he should go to the same school.

The schools had been given permission to continue if they make fresh admissions to Kannada medium classes and pay a fine. Ms. Ghatge demanded that the Government start English-medium schools if it was keen on closing those that existed.

Kavita Anand, another parent, said those living in new areas on the outskirts of the city were particularly hit because there were hardly any recognised English-medium schools there. Tara Hegde added that the Government should end the confusion by introducing a uniform language policy. "If the Government imposes a penalty on them, the managements will pass it on to us," she added.