HYDERABAD: The government has finally decided to opt for State syllabus framed by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in its 6,500 schools -- where English medium was introduced last year, along with CBSE syllabus for classes VI to X -- to offer convent-type education to poor children.

The government wanted to scrap the CBSE syllabus for these schools long ago, as both students and teachers faced difficulty in coping with CBSE standards, but a final decision was taken on Monday following consultations with all stakeholders, including parents.

Ministers D. Manikya Varaprasada Rao and Mohd. Syed Ahmadullah said the best features of CBSE study would be incorporated while framing the State syllabus. The SCERT would be strengthened by appointing professionals. Mr. Rao also said English language would be introduced as a subject for all the classes up to VI in the 6,500 schools to improve English standard of pupils and prepare them for Class VI in English medium.

Mr. Rao clarified that following the decision, students in its schools would need to appear only for Class X examination with State syllabus.

The Minister also stated that Class X and Inter examinations would be held as scheduled in March, to enable students to appear for the national competitive tests slated to be conducted shortly later.

Books availability

Mr. Ahmedullah said the multi-coloured textbooks, supplied last year to classes I, III and V, were being printed for classes IV and VI. Books for all classes in schools across the State would be made available by June 12.

Answering questions, Mr. Rao said orders providing for transfer of spouses would be issued in two to three days benefiting over 2,000 teachers.

The remaining 1,164 candidates of DSC-2008 would be adjusted shortly against available posts.

The Minister said private English medium schools could now collect annual fees up to Rs. 12,000 per child only, as finalised by the government in line with the committee recommendations. If a school wanted to collect more, permission of the District Fees Regulation Committee needs to be taken.