Stating that it is inappropriate to compare government schools with private institutions, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said that learning English has become inevitable in the present era and that the government is therefore encouraging English-medium education in government schools.
He was speaking after inaugurating an English-medium LKG class at the Government Primary School in Gaddehalla near Suntikoppa recently.
The MLA emphasised that teachers have a crucial role to play in ensuring the success and growth of English-medium education in government schools. He announced a grant of ?5 lakh from his MLA fund for the development of the school.
Responding to a request from the Amnesty Football Club to convert the playground belonging to the Gaddehalla Government School into a turf ground, Dr. Mantar Gowda said that a decision in this regard must first be taken by the School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) of the concerned schools and subsequently approved by the government.
He clarified that the playground could be made available to the club and the public only during evening hours and stressed that it should not be misused for any other activities. He suggested that the matter be considered further following discussions at the committee meeting.
Former Suntikoppa Gram Panchayat President P.R. Sunil Kumar said that the inauguration of the LKG class had fulfilled a long-standing dream of three years. He emphasised the need for continued cooperation from local residents for the development of the school and urged authorities to provide a compound barrier and toilet facilities on a priority basis.
Former Gram Panchayat President K.E. Karim noted that the school would be celebrating its silver jubilee next year and called upon villagers to join hands in organising the celebrations in a grand manner.
Suntikoppa Police Station Inspector Mohan Raj, Yankan Girish, Panchayat Development Officer V.G. Lokesh, prominent citizens H.U. Rafiq Khan and P.R. Sukumar also addressed the gathering.
School SDMC President Sakina presided over the programme.
Former Gram Panchayat President Shivamma Mahesh, former members Geetha and Yankan Sriram, Primary School Teachers’ Association Vice-President Saubhagya, LKG SDMC President Rashid, Sandalwood Garden Manager Nisar, Banana Garden Manager Prasanna, Ibrahim, Headmasters Y.C. Kumar and Hemavathi, as well as community leaders Pattemane Charan, Somashekar and others were present.
A cultural programme featuring dance performances by students attracted the appreciation of the audience.
