In a swift response to concerns raised by The Times of India regarding the discontinuation of English-medium sections in Classes XI and XII at Delhi government schools, a school in Seelampur has introduced an English-medium Class XI section. Within days of the announcement, nearly 50 students enrolled, providing relief to those who had been demanding the continuation of English-medium education beyond Class X.
Student Campaign Leads to Change
A student who campaigned for the change revealed that the school initially refused to create such a section, citing low demand. "We were told very few students wanted to study in English-medium and that it was not feasible to start a separate section," she said. However, after raising the issue and seeking legal assistance, the school reviewed its decision.
The student noted that the overwhelming response proved demand had always existed. "Within two days of the section being introduced, over 50 students opted for English-medium. The students were always there; they just didn't have the option," she added.
Official Intervention and Broader Implications
Following the intervention, officials visited the school to verify arrangements. Similar demands by students in other government schools are also being examined. Education activist and advocate Ashok Agarwal, who has been pursuing the issue with the Directorate of Education, welcomed the development. "Students who wanted to study in English-medium in Class XI raised their voice and the school created the section," he said, emphasizing the need to protect students' right to continue education in their chosen medium.
Widespread Concerns Over English-Medium Sections
The development comes after students, parents, and teachers raised concerns about the discontinuation or merger of English-medium sections in several government schools, particularly in northeast and east Delhi. In many schools, separate English- and Hindi-medium sections are offered until Class X but are merged in senior classes due to staffing constraints and lower enrolment in specific subject combinations.
Students alleged they were being told to either attend Hindi-medium classes or seek admission elsewhere if they wished to continue studying in English. Parents and teachers warned that this practice could affect students' confidence, communication skills, and academic performance.
A parent explained the dilemma: "In Class XI, students choose different subject combinations—science with maths, science without maths, and so on. If only 20 students opt for a stream in English-medium while 30 choose the same stream in Hindi-medium, the school merges the sections and assigns one teacher. Those who want to continue in English-medium are left with few options. For many, the only option is to leave."
Following the complaints, a letter was written to the Directorate of Education seeking an inquiry into the discontinuation of English-medium sections and urging authorities to ensure students can continue their studies in their preferred medium without disruption.
