In Punjab, government schools running the pre-school classes have been ordered to ensure that classes are conducted in English medium, particularly for students who have shifted from private schools, reported The Tribune.

Krishan Kumar, Secretary (School Education), in a communication to the District Education Officers and school heads, said: “In the ongoing enrolment drive, parents of children studying in private schools have shown enthusiasm in putting their children in government schools in the name of ‘quality education'. We need to ensure that we live up to their expectations.” The communication said “quality education” was foremost in parents' mind when they had put their children in private schools.

A senior department functionary said: “The entire exercise of enrolling new students will come to a naught incase teachers do not change their attitude. Government schoolteachers are not perceived to be student-friendly. Parents are open in criticising the use of harsh language by teachers.”

The report said that the heads have been instructed to ensure that school staff gives special attention to building a congenial atmosphere on the campus. “The public image of government schools as places where students are not taken care of has to go. It is sad to listen to parents complaining of non-friendly attitude of government teachers. Parents are also expecting a decent dress code for teachers,” the official said.