Poor SSLC results to cost schools’ recognition: Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil

Dharwad: With less than a month left for the SSLC Board examinations, the district administration, Zilla Panchayat and the School Education and Literacy Department have tightened the screws on high schools that performed poorly in Preparatory Examinations 1 and 2.

Chairing a review meeting of the performances of the high schools in SSLC preparatory examinations, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil directed the department to initiate stringent measures against schools that fail to improve academic standards.

He instructed officials to submit proposal to the government seeking withdrawal of renewal of recognition for aided and unaided schools that have not taken corrective steps to improve results. “While renewing recognition, authorities must assess not only infrastructure but also SSLC performance and overall academic quality,” he said.

Emphasising accountability, Patil said the responsibility to improve SSLC results rests collectively with teachers, school managements and the department. “If results decline this academic year, action will be taken against those responsible, including guest teachers. Based on a review of teaching quality, underperforming guest teachers will be relieved from service,” he warned.

As many as 37 high schools in the district recorded less than 50 per cent results in last year’s SSLC examination. Dharwad Rural (2), Dharwad Urban (8), Hubballi Rural (4), Hubballi Urban (16), Kalaghatagi (1), Kundgol (3) and Navalgund (3) performed poorly.

Poor performance was noted in both aided and unaided institutions. Patil directed deputy directors to submit proposals to withdraw recognition and also recommend withdrawal of grants for aided schools that continue to underperform.

Schools that scored below 50 per cent in the 2024–25 SSLC exam and in the current year’s preparatory examinations 1 and 2 must be thoroughly analysed to identify reasons for the decline. Headmasters, assistant teachers and nodal officers must take greater responsibility for improvement. Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been asked to conduct regular school visits and provide continuous academic guidance and counselling to teachers and students.

Patil further stated that if performance does not improve in preparatory examination-3 and the final SSLC exam, annual increments of headmasters and teachers in government, aided and unaided schools may be withheld.

BEOs have also been instructed to closely monitor guest teachers and report those who are not making sincere efforts to improve results. Such teachers will not be considered for reappointment in the next academic year.

Patil noted that even schools with adequate infrastructure and student strength would not be spared if academic outcomes remain poor, and proposals would be sent to withdraw grants where necessary. In 2024–25, government schools recorded a 70 per cent pass rate, unaided schools 60 per cent, while aided schools fared comparatively worse.

He directed the department to adopt phased corrective measures and achieve at least 85 per cent results in preparatory examination-3. DDPI S S Keladimath also spoke.