THERE was an attempt in this country to dilute and perhaps remove the teaching of vernacular languages, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
Speaking at the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji annual convention in Suva yesterday, he said Government would be restoring the teaching of vernacular languages.
“Yes, there was an attempt in this country, and this is something that everyone must understand and recognise,” Prof Prasad said.
“There was an attempt in this country to dilute and perhaps remove the teaching of vernacular languages.
“We are going to restore it.
“We have decided that we can also speak Hindi in Parliament, and we do.
“Some of those people who were part of the brigade to dilute the teaching of Hindi can now also speak Hindi in Parliament.”
He said the Government had already made a commitment to provide additional funding to the University of Fiji for the establishment of the Centre for Hindi Studies.
“We will do that in the upcoming budget.
“We recognise that education is very important.”
