PM SHRI: Karnataka allocates Rs 19.67 crore to start spoken English classes in 1,919 government schools

The Karnataka government will introduce spoken English classes in 1,919 government schools this year to help students speak English with greater confidence, Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa said. The government has released Rs 19.67 crore to implement the programme.

The programme will cover selected Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), PM SHRI KPS schools, their affiliated unit schools and some bilingual-medium schools across the state. Guest teachers will be appointed to conduct the spoken English classes, according to Bangarappa.

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Karnataka allocates Rs 19.67 crore for spoken English programme

Announcing the initiative in a post on X, Madhu Bangarappa said learning English only as a subject is not enough for students to meet the challenges of a globalised world.

“Learning English merely as a language subject is not enough; students must also learn to speak it fluently to face today's global challenges,” Bangarappa said.

He said the main aim of the programme is to help children in government schools speak English confidently.

Classes to cover 1,919 government schools

The spoken English programme will be implemented in 1,919 schools selected by the state government. These include Karnataka Public Schools, PM SHRI KPS schools, schools attached to these institutions and some schools offering bilingual education.

The government will hire guest teachers to provide spoken English training to students as part of the initiative.

Bangarappa said the programme is intended to improve students’ communication skills and give them greater confidence in using English.

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The initiative comes as the state government seeks to improve the quality of education and provide government school students with skills that can help them in higher education and future employment. The programme will focus on spoken English rather than limiting learning to the English language as an academic subject.