Haryana mulls introducing English subject from Class I

Chandigarh: Aiming to improve quality of education in state-run schools, Haryana government is mulling introduction of English as a subject from Class 1 onwards, Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said today.

However, this would be a policy-based decision, the Minister said replying to a question in the Assembly.

He said when MLAs bring the issue of upgrading schools in their constituencies to his notice, those which fulfill the prescribed norms are upgraded.

Agriculture Minister O P Dhankar said the department was considering introducing a health insurance scheme on the pattern of Punjab for farmers who die due to “unnatural causes” while working in the fields.

The scheme of Punjab was being assessed so that help could be provided to farmers for treatment.

He said a financial assistance of Rs 19.79 crore was provided in cases of unnatural deaths or disabilities of farmers while working in fields in 2014-15.

Haryana Chief Parliamentary Secretary Kamal Gupta said Rakhigarhi and Agroha Dham should be developed as world-class places of tourist interest which would also increase revenue of the state.

He said the construction of an international-standard cricket stadium in Haryana should also be considered.

Gupta said the status of three universities located in Hisar is only “like that of a school” and urged that facilities of international level be provided to them.