Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday strongly defended the role of English education, stating that while the Congress Party supports Hindi, it also recognizes English as a gateway to global opportunities, especially for the younger generation.
Gehlot’s remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly made comments criticizing the dominance of English in India. Responding via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gehlot said, “Congress, Rahul Gandhi, and all of us are in favour of Hindi, but English is an international language that opens new avenues in the world for everyone.”
🔁 “Even We Changed Our Approach”
Reflecting on his own experience, Gehlot acknowledged that he too once resisted English but eventually adapted. “During childhood, we also used to oppose English, but it has become the need of the hour,” he said. “Today, in the era of computers, the internet, and Artificial Intelligence, the young generation can truly succeed through English.”
He also took aim at the BJP-RSS leadership, accusing them of double standards. “Home Minister Shah and many in the BJP-RSS oppose English, yet most of the Union ministers’ children are studying abroad. They confuse the public while privately benefiting from English education,” Gehlot alleged.
🏫 Congress Legacy in English Medium Education
Highlighting the achievements of his previous administration, Gehlot credited the Congress-led Rajasthan government for establishing around 3,700 Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools, designed to provide quality English education to children from poor, middle-class, and rural backgrounds.
“As a result, nearly 6.5 lakh students began receiving education in English,” he said, underlining the public support for these institutions.
Gehlot accused the current BJP-led state government of trying to dismantle this initiative. “The BJP government tried to close these English medium schools but couldn't proceed due to their immense popularity among the public,” he added.
🧭 Language Debate and the Road Ahead
Gehlot’s comments come amid a wider national debate on language policy, particularly around the place of English in India's education system. His remarks signal the Congress party’s nuanced position — advocating linguistic inclusivity while embracing global skills for Indian youth.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)