Initiative by Gujarat State Government to Introduce English Language Subject Com pulsory from Class III The increasing

demand for English both as a language and as a medium of instruct ion in schools has compelled many state governments to begin instruction in Clas s III. In Gujarat, India, recently the state government has decided to introduce English as a compulsory subject in the second semester of Class III from 2013-1 4 academic sessions. At present, English is taught as a compulsory subject from Class V. Initially, in 1960, the state government had introduced English as a compulsory subject from Class VIII to X. Then, in 2001, the Education Department expanded E nglish to include Classes V to X. Now, English will be taught in Classes III to X. This new decision to offer English in Classes III & IV presents several problem s for the state government, teachers and students. Firstly, the quality of Engli sh instruction in state run schools was already deficient in Classes V to X. Now , the state plans to add two more classes which will only present more troubles to overcome. While the demand increases on the one hand, the quality of English language education in state run schools, more particularly in rural schools, pre sents an abysmal picture. Secondly, notes Ritu Sharma in The Indian Express Ahemdabad Edition dated 1st Oc tober 2012, is that there will not be textbook for students in class III but onl y a teachers edition. According to Ms. Sharma, In the first two years, focus will b e on how to build confidence among students and to increase their comfort level with the language. Without a textbook, learning will be more difficult for students and teaching will be more difficult for teachers. Thirdly, there is the obstacle of training enough local teachers or hiring enoug h English speakers. As a stands now, there are not enough qualified English teac hers in state system. Now that two more classes have been added, even more quali fied teachers are needed. Many teachers who are currently in the system have onl y completed PTC (Primary Training Course- After 12th class). Because these teach ers have only completed 10th standard plus two year vocation training course the y have not enough knowledge of English instruction. State Government has to in crease the expenditure on Teachers Trainings to fulfill the requirement and reac h the goal of this initiative. To conclude, the state government will have to resolve a lot of issues to succe ssfully implement this program. It is possible that civil society organizations such as the Nanubhai Education Foundation could play a role in teacher training and capacity building at the local level. To this end, we have submitted a propo sal to the state government and are waiting for the reply.