Kancha Ilaiah, political theorist and Dalit rights activist, has called for establishing English medium classes in all government schools.
Addressing a function organised by Akhila Kerala Ezhuthachan Samajam (AKES) here on Sunday, he called for a campaign demanding free English education for the poor.
He said the government should take over private English medium schools and run them so as to make it affordable to the poor. “The government should make English the medium of education from LKG to Plus Two and ensure quality education in schools.”
“Lack of English proficiency was limiting the opportunities of backward communities in various fields. Your voice will not be heard by the ruling class if you know only the regional language.
“Representation of backward communities in higher posts in Central government sectors, including media or education, was abysmal,” Mr. Ilaiah noted.
Students, who scored high marks at various examinations, were honoured at the function.
