Jagan asks critics of English medium: Which schools do your kids go to?

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that the only property we can give to children is education. He fumed at all those who opposed English medium in public schools and asked as to where their children are studying.

He conducted a review in CM camp office at Tadepalli on Wednesday on the education sector as part of Mana Paalana - Mee Suchana. CM Jagan made it clear that he is investing the budget in the future of our children for their better future.

He claimed, "English medium education, Amma Vodi and Jagananna Vidya Deevena are the ambitious projects that will help children to dream big."

Expressing a firm resolve to usher in sweeping reforms in the education system and going ahead with the introduction of English medium from primary level clearing all hurdles, CM Jagan said that education is the only answer to poverty. 

"Some vested interests have tried to block our decision of introducing English medium from Class 1 to 6. They made it an issue in the Assembly and outside. When the Bill was sent back we have reintroduced and passed it. They now went to Court. We moved to the apex Court and our resolve is firm and we will go ahead with the reforms," the Chief Minister said.

CM Jagan said that SCERT has suggested that one Telugu medium school per Mandal would be a good option. He recalled, "These reforms have stemmed from the agony of parents and children who have shared with me during my 14 month 3,648 km padayatra where I have seen schools in dilapidated condition, children not getting books even in the month of October, ayas not getting pay and pending provisions bills for eight months or more. The grief of a father, Gopal, who has shown the photo of his child who committed suicide as he was convinced that the parent cannot pay his second year Engineering fees has moved me very much."

 CM Jagan said last year we did not ask but this year we will be insisting on 75 % attendance of the children in the schools. He claimed, "Our government has cleared even the previous government dues worth Rs 1,880 crores and paid full reimbursement till this quarter working out to Rs 4,200 crore benefiting 19 lakh students. From next quarter the amount would be credited to mother’s account."