In a bold move aimed at boosting student confidence and employability, Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar today urged teachers and students in government colleges to adopt English as the primary language of communication on campus. The call, delivered at the RC College of Commerce and Management in Bengaluru, comes as part of a larger initiative to strengthen English speaking in Karnataka colleges and expand the English Skills for Youth programme.
Background/Context
English has long been the medium of instruction in Karnataka’s degree colleges, yet the language’s practical use on campus remains limited. “We have the highest respect for our mother tongue Kannada, but the more you try to speak a language, the faster you learn,” Sudhakar said, highlighting a gap between classroom learning and real‑world communication. The minister’s remarks follow a series of policy announcements that aim to make English a living language within academic institutions, a move that aligns with national trends toward global competitiveness.
Since 2024, the state government has partnered with the British Council and Microsoft India to roll out the English Skills for Youth programme. Initially launched in 16 government engineering colleges, the project now targets 29 first‑grade colleges and 25 polytechnics, promising digital tools, peer‑learning clubs, and structured practice sessions for roughly 10,000 students.
Key Developments
Sudhakar’s speech outlined several concrete steps to embed English speaking in Karnataka colleges:
- Faculty‑led English communication: Teachers are to conduct meetings, briefings, and informal discussions in English, setting a precedent for students.
- Student‑run practice clubs: Each college will host clubs where students can practice speaking, receive feedback, and compete in friendly debates.
- Digital resource hub: A centralized portal will provide access to video tutorials, interactive modules, and AI‑driven pronunciation tools.
- Assessment integration: English proficiency will be incorporated into semester evaluations, encouraging consistent practice.
- Monitoring and reporting: The Ministry will publish quarterly reports on the progress of English speaking initiatives across institutions.
In addition to language initiatives, the minister addressed ongoing concerns about internship placements. “We decided to stagger internships over two semesters,” he explained, noting that some colleges will send students for internships in the 7th semester while others will do so in the 8th. This staggered approach aims to reduce the burden on students and ensure smoother placement processes.
While the primary focus remains on English proficiency, the minister also touched on administrative matters, such as the appointment of a vice‑chancellor for the Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, signalling a broader commitment to academic excellence across disciplines.
Impact Analysis
For students, the shift to English speaking on campus could translate into tangible benefits:
- Enhanced employability: Employers increasingly seek candidates fluent in English, especially in IT, finance, and multinational firms.
- Improved confidence: Regular practice in a supportive environment can reduce anxiety around public speaking and presentations.
- Broader academic exposure: Many research journals and conferences are English‑based; proficiency will ease access to global scholarship.
- Digital literacy: The integrated digital tools will also improve students’ overall tech savviness.
Teachers, meanwhile, will need to adapt to a bilingual teaching model. While Kannada will remain the primary language of instruction, faculty will be expected to conduct administrative and informal interactions in English. This dual‑language approach may initially pose challenges but is projected to foster a more versatile academic environment.
Administratively, the Ministry’s quarterly reporting will provide transparency and accountability, allowing stakeholders to track progress and identify bottlenecks. The staggered internship model is expected to reduce the financial burden on students, who previously faced hidden costs for placement opportunities.
Expert Insights/Tips
Language educators and industry experts have weighed in on the initiative. Dr. Ravi Kumar, a linguistics professor at the University of Mysore, noted, “Language acquisition is accelerated when learners are immersed in real‑time usage. By making English the lingua franca of campus life, we are creating an immersive environment that will benefit all students.”
For students looking to maximize the benefits of the programme, here are practical tips:
- Join an English practice club: Regular participation will build fluency and confidence.
- Use the digital portal: Engage with the AI pronunciation tools and track your progress.
- Seek feedback: Ask peers and faculty for constructive criticism on your speaking skills.
- Set measurable goals: Aim to deliver a short presentation in English each month.
- Leverage internships: Use internship experiences to practice English in professional settings.
Faculty members are encouraged to incorporate English into their teaching materials gradually, starting with simple announcements and progressing to complex discussions. Workshops on effective bilingual teaching methods will be offered by the Ministry in the coming months.
Looking Ahead
The English speaking initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Karnataka as a hub for skilled talent in the global economy. The Ministry plans to expand the programme to 50 more colleges by 2028, with a target of reaching 25,000 students across the state.
Future milestones include:
- Integration of English proficiency metrics into the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other entrance examinations.
- Collaboration with international universities for student exchange programmes that emphasize English communication.
- Annual “English Excellence Awards” to recognize institutions and individuals who demonstrate outstanding progress.
By embedding English speaking in Karnataka colleges, the state aims to create a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also linguistically agile, ready to compete on a global stage.
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