The question of introduction of English language in state syllabus schools in Karnataka has been a hotly debated one, especially after the fruits of the globalised economy began appearing in the form of jobs in Bangalore and other urban centres in the state. Karnataka is incidentally the only state in the country to introduce English in government schools as late as the fifth standard. A proposal has been doing the rounds for over a year now to introduce English from an earlier first or third standard.

The Kannada literary world has also been divided on the issue of introduction of English in primary schools. In a series of debates on the issue organised in 2005, some writers argued that the introduction of English at an early stage in schools in poor rural areas will be a burden on the parents who have little education themselves. The government must first focus on strengthening the quality of its schools, they said. Others pointed out that children would be equipped to compete in the globalised world only with an early training in English. For now, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy has promised to resolve the English schools closure issue without harming the interests of parents and students. But that, given the context of Karnataka’s charged politics, is easier said than done.