Team Herald
PANJIM: Asserting that the mother tongue should be the medium of Instruction (MoI) at the primary level, Union Minister for AYUSH Shripad Naik on Thursday said grants to English medium Diocesan schools is a “temporary phenomena”.
Members of the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) met Naik Thursday evening, seeking his intervention in their demand to withdraw grants to 137 Diocesan schools.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Naik said grants to English medium primary schools is a temporary phenomena and the issue would be settled once the government comes out with its MoI policy. “I am of the firm opinion that primary education should be in the mother tongue and will urge the State government to come out with its pending MoI policy, resolving the issue at the earliest,” he said.
Naik said the policy will spell out a clear picture on the language and grant issue. “Whatever is permissible as per law, should be followed by the government,” he added.
The minister said that the controversy surrounding grants to English schools will be settled with finalisation of the policy.
BBSM, pro-Marathi and Konkani lovers’ group have been protesting since 2011 against successive governments’ decision to allow grants to Diocesan schools. Accusing the BJP government of a U-turn on the issue, the groups have launched a State-wide campaign against the government. As part of it, members have decided to petition all ruling MLAs and MPs.
The MoI policy is currently pending before the State Legislative Assembly’s select committee headed by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. The government has assured to table the bill during the Budget Session in March.
