There is hardly an ad ( in the classified sections) that does not mention fluency in English.

Virtually all computer based work needs English skills. English is also the language of the Net, of exposure, of awareness, of opportunity.

At the policy level, the issue should be addressed at the school level rather than the college level, though pre-employment courses in Egnlish, if tailored well would of course help too.

At the implementation level, teacher training is key. In many government schools, English teachers need two pronged training - in English proficiency as well as in English teaching methodology.

A. Paranandi, curriculum coordinator, teacher and research scholar, English and Foreign Languages University, EFLU, Hyderabad

Letter in Hindustan Times, August 13, 2009