Japanese to be taught in government schools

MADURAI : In a move to woo Japanese investments, the Tamil Nadu Government has planned to teach Japanese language in a big way to students of government schools.

Addressing `SMExpressions 2007,' a seminar organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here on Friday, Managing Director of the Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), C. Umashankar, said investment from Japan in Tamil Nadu was very minimal, when compared to that from the U.S., Germany and Koreas.

The content for teaching Japanese through DVDs to schoolteachers and students would be prepared in two months. The DVDs would be given free of cost. Using them beginner, intermediate and professional courses would be taught. Successful students would be given diploma certificates.

Stating that Japan, one of the biggest economies of the world, was hiring Chinese workforce at present, Mr. Umashankar said Japanese knowledge among Indian students would make them employable there.

He said the Government had sought formal clearance from the Centre to get special economic zone status for seven sites where it had proposed to have tidel parks. The hearing of these proposals would be held on June 29.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/19/stories/2007051915730700.htm