The proposal was mooted by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and included in the agenda for the state Cabinet meeting. The CM was firm that this was needed to improve communication skills of Bengali students.

In 1984, in a controversial move, the state Government had abolished English from the primary section in all Bengali-medium govenment and government-aided schools. Following vehement protests from all quarters, English returned to Class V in 1992, Class III in 1998 and finally in 2003, it was decided that it would be taught from Class I onwards.

Bhattacharjee now wants to introduce English-medium sections in Bengali-medium schools. Starting this academic year, these would be introduced in Class I and Class XI. Next year, English-medium sections would be set up in Class II and Class XII.

There have been some protests, notably from PWD Minister and senior RSP leader Kshiti Goswami, who objected to the matter being placed before the Cabinet “in such an arbitrary manner”. “There have to be talks with teachers’ organisations, there has to be a discussion in the Left Front, and only then it can be placed for Cabinet approval,” Goswami said.

A note by the School Education Department had commented on the mushrooming of private schools of poor standard and uncertain quality in the state, which were cashing in on parents’ desire to send their wards to schools which offered English-medium. Teaching in English would also enable students to speak and write the language correctly, the note further said.

“Guardians of students studying in private English-medium schools, who pay through their noses for the education of their kids, ask us why even though we have large government schools we could not arrange for English-medium sections. Their complaint is quite justified,” said Partha Dey, Minister for School Education.