The Parents Association of Andhra Pradesh (PAAP) has expressed concern over the apparent shift in focus from proficiency in the mother tongue to foreign languages in the State. Of the 6.18 lakh students who appeared for the 10th class examinations across the State, 37,679 (41.3%) failed in Telugu, their first language, while only 8,771 (9.6%) failed in English and just 1,436 (1.6%) in Hindi.

Speaking to The Hindu, PAAP president S. Narahari said, “The highest number of students at 54,272 (59.5%) failed in Science and 39,722 (43.6%) in Mathematics. This makes it clear that the students need special training in tough subjects. Adequate resources and additional teaching hours should be allocated to students studying Telugu medium.”

“Students failing in their first language (mother tongue) shows the shortcomings in the education system of the State. Teaching of Telugu in schools should be modernised. The State government and the Education Department should immediately give priority to enhance the basic capabilities of the students,” he demanded.