Resistance to English Medium in Andhra Pradesh: A Conflict between Idealism and Pragmatism

Abstract

The introduction of New Economic Policy in 1991 resulted in upsurge of private sector over public sector, resulting in loss of employment opportunities for the socially excluded groups in the absence of protective discrimination. The concomitant structural adjustments especially in the realm of Education at ‘primary’, ‘secondary’ and ‘higher’ levels were not initiated. There was large scale reduction in employment opportunities both at union and provincial level. The education system in Andhra Pradesh was ill-prepared against the emerging employment opportunities in the private sector. The economically backward people among the excluded groups depended on State funded primary schools where the medium of instruction is Telugu. Those who continued further in Telugu medium found it difficult to compete with their urban well-to-do counterparts.

The paper emphasises the need to alter the Education system in tune with the policies of liberalisation. It deals with the need for introduction of English as a medium of instruction at primary school level. It also investigates the intent of the opposition political parties and interest groups in resisting the decision of the present YSRCP Government to introduce English medium in State sponsored primary schools. It is instructive to note that 90 per cent of the students studying in Government sponsored schools are from the socially excluded groups. English medium enables them to acquire skills and global competencies.

By using and analysing the secondary data, the paper studies resistance to upward social mobility and inclusive policies of the State Government. It probes the attempts of certain political parties supporting status quo and opposing English medium which would otherwise engender a paradigm shift in the lives of the socially excluded groups.