THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Moreover, two other applications have been received for starting Urdu-medium middle school.
Of these nine schools, three are government-run, while six are aided and unaided primary schools. Additionally, there is only one government-run middle school and four aided and unaided Urdu-medium high schools.
While there are 401 students studying in government-run Urdu-medium primary schools, 249 are studying in aided primary schools and 91 others in unaided primary schools. As far as the students in Urdu-medium middle schools are concerned only 21 students are studying in government-run middle schools and 296 in aided schools.
Speaking to The Goan, an official of the Education Department said, “The demand for Urdu schools has been increasing mainly due to the floating migrant population. In many cases the mother tongue of these persons is Urdu and it becomes easier for them to understand if taught in the mother tongue.”
“There are even instances that children fail in higher classes because it becomes difficult for them to learn in English. This is another reason why they prefer Urdu medium schools. Moreover, the government is also supporting primary education in regional languages”, informed the official.
The State Secretary of Board of Islamic Education Mohamed Anees however felt that their community has started understanding the importance of education and the entire scene is changing.
“Our community now wants their children educated. Earlier when we used to conduct surveys in various places across the State, people were concerned about their livelihood more than education. The youth used to drop out after SSC and move abroad for jobs. But now the scenario is changing”, he said.
“Most of the community members speak Urdu at home as it is their mother tongue. And more so they prefer Urdu medium schools as they find it easier to understand the subjects”, he said.
