Introduce English from 1st standard in North India: Rajeev Shukla

A strong plea to have English an an optional subject from first standard onwards in all North Indian states was made by Congress member Rajeev Shukla today.

Shukla met human resource development minister Kapil Sibal to impress upon the need to introduce English at an early stage in the North.

Shukla, who had also raised the issue in Rajya Sabha yesterday, said that he would also be writing to the chief ministers in North India to press the case for early introduction of English in the schools.

At present, English is generally being taught from sixth standard onwards. If availability of English teachers is a constraint then teachers from South India should be roped in, he said adding that it would also help in the cause of integration.