Bantwal : “There have been opinions for and against the decision to introduce English as a medium of instruction in government schools. I will discuss this issue with the chief minister towards finding an amicable solution to the problem,” said Karnataka state minister of education, S Suresh Kumar.

Speaking to reporters in the office of Bantwal MLA on Monday night, he said that many literatures have been opposing English medium but parents vehemently say that they want it. “Therefore, the government will collect the opinions of all the sides. In general, people want their children be taught English from the first standard,” he said.

“Additional safety measures have been undertaken in schools to prevent sexual harassment of female students. A video conference will be held with the superintendents of police of all the districts in this connection,” he added.

“The quality of bicycles that are being distributed to students is being scrutinized for improvement with the cooperation of mechanical engineering departments of various engineering colleges in different regions,” he said.

“We are thinking of holding special examinations for 6th and 8th standard students to judge their levels of knowledge. Opinions are being obtained to bring down the weight of school bags,” he said.

He was accompanied by MLA Rajesh Naik Ulippadiguthu and former MLC, Capt Ganesh Karnik.