Medium of Instruction issue: Goa dy CM contradicts Parsekar

The BJP-led Goa government appears divided on the issue of medium of instruction in schools with deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza today saying children's language should be "parents' choice", just days after Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had batted for regional languages.
"I feel the government should give freedom to parents to decide as to what should be the medium of education for their kids. Let it be parents' choice and not that of government," D'Souza told reporters here.
His statement is in contrast with Parsekar's stand that regional languages should be the medium of instruction. The CM had iterated his preference for local languages during budget session of the Legislative Assembly.

Recently, Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar had said only regional languages should be MOI and objected to government giving grants to certain schools with English as the medium of education.
However, D'Souza clarified he will stand by the decision taken by the CM.
"The decision taken by the chief minister is his opinion. I cannot change it, but as far as I am concerned, I feel parents are the best to decide what medium their children should learn," he said.
D'Souza said no one can impose anything on others in a democratic country. "We need to respect the choice of parents," he added.