Ludhiana, Oct. 31 -- The Punjab government recently came up with an initiative - The English Edge - Learn Smart, Speak Sharp - to transform English education in government schools, but at the same time the students, who have opted for English medium, are still waiting for their books even seven months after the beginning of their academic session. "It's fine to announce new schemes, but the basics, like providing books, cannot be overlooked," an educator, wishing not to be named, said.

The scheme aims to equip students with global-level English communication skills. In many government schools across the district, the basic study material for students who opted for the English medium has not arrived. With no textbooks or learning aids, st...