Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu snubbed Municipal Administration Minister Dr P Narayana for issuing GO No 14 last Monday unilaterally ordering to convert all municipal schools in the state into English medium schools. This has forced the minister to suspend his order.

Narayana, who is considered to be a trusted associate of the Chief Minister since a long time, normally feels himself as `super authority’ and hardly cares other ministers or senior officials in the government. This GO said to be issued even without informing the Chief Minister, who has been assuring promotion of Telugu language.

After academicians, teacher unions and student organisations strongly opposed this GO stating it has stirred a hornet’s nest, Chief Minister has reportedly chided the minister for taking such hasty decision.

Even, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao also said to be unhappy for issuing such GO without consulting Education Department. Allaying apprehensions on the decision, he has assured that Telugu would not be neglected and steps will be considered to impart education in both Telugu and English media after discussing the same with the Chief Minister.

While suspending this GO for the time-being, Dr Narayana announced that the GO would be in force from the next academic year and all students should write examinations next year in English only.

Meanwhile, he assured to provide necessary skills development for teachers and foundation courses for students. However, supporting his decision he said it was needed as Telugu medium students are failing to excel in admission tests for professional courses.