The decision was taken at a meeting of officials of the Education Department Minister of State for Education Anandiben Patel had here on Thursday. The meeting also discussed whether to provide optional subjects to higher secondary students to enable them to pursue higher academic career of their own choice in colleges.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Education Minister said though at present the teaching of English subject in Classes V, VI and VII was mandatory, the students were exempted from taking examination in the subject. ``Now, we have decided to make make it compulsory for these students to take the examination and pass in the subject from the next academic year'', she said.

She said that English teachers in most of the primary schools were found not teaching the subject seriously, which would not be tolerated now. The district primary education officers (DPEOs) have been directed to ensure that teachers take up the teaching of English subject in right earnest.