Thane zilla parishad to start English-medium schools

Manoj Badgeri I TNN

Kalyan: If all goes according to the plan, kids studying at zilla parishad schools in rural areas adjoining Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Ambernath would soon be taking their lessons in English.

In a bid to help these students overcome the language barrier, the Thane zilla parishad has decided to introduce exclusive English-medium schools in rural areas. The general body of the zilla parishad, this week, gave its goahead to the plan. The parishad has already made budgetary allocations to implement the project.

To begin with, around 8-10 English-medium classes will start for kindergarten on a pilot basis from June. The zilla parishad would soon call in experts to design the syllabus and train the existing teaching staff.

This is a first-of-its kind project in the state. “People residing on the fringes of urban townships want to send their kids to English-medium schools. We aim to provide English schooling to these children at a nominal rate,” said president of Thane zilla parishad Kapil Patil. “This move will also help us arrest the dwindling student population in our schools.” Patil, who is confident of getting the state government’s approval, plans to replicate the model in other districts.

CEO of Thane zilla parishad, HK Jawale, said the move will help academically bright students from rural areas get into good colleges.