38 govt schools closed down in 4 years

The district has seen the closure of 38 government schools including 28 lower primary schools in the last four years due to zero enrolment.

All the schools that had less than five students were either closed down or merged with the neighbouring schools.

If the schools had recorded zero enrolments for three years continuously then such schools will be closed down. If the schools admit more than five students, then such closed schools can be reopened.

The love for English medium and increase in private schools has affected the enrolment of students in government schools over a period of time.

Further, several parents are admitting their children to the schools following the CBSE and ICSE syllabus.

According to parents, “The government lower primary school has less number of students with one or two teachers. All the subjects have to be taught by the same teacher. In many schools, one teacher has to manage the entire show. Hence, they can not show individual attention.”

The Department of Public Instruction has received 14 applications seeking permission for starting new schools. A three-member committee has reviewed the applications. Only three to four applications are eligible to be issued permission, said DDPI Prasanna Kumar to DH.

He said, “The government schools are giving thrust on quality of teaching. Along with the curriculum, extracurricular activities are taken up. The schools have been asked to take up a drive for enrolment by convincing the parents.”

The admission process for the academic year 2018-19 is in the final stage.

Two private high schools have been shut down due to zero enrolment.

According to ZP Standing Committee on Education President Jacintha Anil Kumar, “The low birth rate, love for convent education, increase in admission to Morarji Desai School, Kittur Rani Chennama School, Navodaya Schools also affected the enrolment in government schools. There is a need to protect government schools. The schools are being strengthened by providing the facilities like smart classrooms.”