Date:16/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/16/stories/2007101656630100.htm

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Four Government schools to start English medium sections next year

R. Krishnamoorthy

TIRUCHI: Four Government higher secondary schools in the district are planning to start English-medium sections from the next academic year, after enhancing infrastructure with NABARD funding.

English-medium sections would be started in Thuraiyur Government Higher Secondary School, Musiri Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Thottiyam Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School and the Government Higher Secondary School at Balasamudiram, the Chief Educational Officer, R. Muthukrishnan, said. The school education department has instructed the Government Higher Secondary Schools at Thuvarankurichi and Vaiyampatti also to follow suit.

English-medium sections currently exist in four Government schools: Lalgudi Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Mannachanallur Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Mannachanallur Girls’ Higher Secondary School and Musiri Boys’ Government Higher Secondary School.

Appointments of new teachers has come in as a shot in the arm for the schools to offer quality English-medium education at affordable cost for rural students. A student in English-medium section has to pay nominal monthly fee ranging between Rs. 20 and Rs. 50, in addition to the prescribed fee. The additional fee is no burden for scholarship beneficiaries.

Works on infrastructure development undertaken in 28 Government higher secondary schools with NABARD funding of Rs. 22 crore are nearing completion. These schools are being equipped with additional classrooms, laboratories, and furniture at the rate of 12 benches and desks in each classroom.

The school education department has sent proposals for similar development of 20 schools for the current year, and expects sanction for 12 schools. Future sanction of NABARD funds for school development will include a component for construction of compound walls also, Mr. Muthukrishnan said.