The state government's decision to start pre-nursery classes in government schools along with English-medium sections has been opposed by the CPIM party and the Anganwadi workers. "This state government's move is against the ICDS scheme of the central government. The children will be deprived of nutrition food and healthcare. The government must start LKG-UKG classes in Anganwadis and continue ICDS scheme," urged Vasanth Achari secretory of district CPIM unit demanding to the repeal of recent circular.
Vasudeva Uchila, member of CPI(M) Dakshina Kannada district committee addressing the protesters said, "The state government's decision to introduce English as the medium of instruction in selected government primary schools is a threat to Kannada language. The privatisation of education has led to the closure of government schools. The move to introduce English as a medium of instruction is to appease the corporates and weaken the government schools," he added.
A week after a new circular issued by the state Department of Primary and Secondary Education to begin pre-nursery classes in government schools, the Anganwadi workers too are up in arms against the government alleging that there is an attempt to shut down Anganwadis. The state Anganwadi workers association along with Centre for Trade Unions (CITU) have planned a Vidhana Soudha Chalo rally on May 30 urging the state government to repeal the new circular and warned of statewide protest.
It may be recalled that on May 17, the state government in its order said that as the number of enrollments in government primary schools is declining, it has decided to begin pre-nursery classes. As per the circular, Anganwadis coming under women and child welfare department would be shifted to over 4100 government primary schools and strengthened further. LKG and UKG classes also will be started in government schools.
