DHNS
Mangalore, May 30: The education-admirers of Dakshina Kannada who were recently thrilled by the annual report on educational status, have one more sweet news: The district is free from unauthorised schools.
In the backdrop of the reopening of schools today (May 30), the news would give a sigh of relief to thousands of parents across the district.
"As per the information the department has collected through the Block Education Officers (BEOs), there are no unauthorised schools in Dakshina Kannada. Nobody need to worry," said Deputy Director of Public Instructions (DDPI) C Chame Gowda.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, he said the department had plans to release the list of unauthorised schools well in advance in order to help the students and parents; however, all newly started schools have received letters of approval from the government. "Their applications were pending with the Commissioner of Public Instructions, hence, it took a little more time to get a clear picture," he stated.
The issue of unauthorised and de-recognised schools has in fact become a matter of apprehension to the parents due to the predicament many had to face in the previous years. The heat of the crisis had even touched Dakshina Kannada so intensely that the immediate-past DDPI and all BEOs were suspended for "they had submitted reports with false information".
According to sources, there are over 3,000 de-recognised schools across the State, still facing court enquiries, for violating the language policy. "It has been made strict that all schools opened since 1994 should follow Kannada as the medium of instruction. We are confident that the schools abide by the regulations and do not draw problems in the later stage," Mangalore Taluk BEO Moses Jayashekhar said.
Prarambhotsavas
Mr Chame Gowda said as many as 450 students have been admitted to the first standard so far in the district. The number has come down drastically, which was 750 last year, he added.
The schools have brushed up to welcome the kids to their premises. They have even kept sweets ready for them. "Circulars have been sent to schools to distribute sweets to the students on the day of reopening itself. It has been made mandatory to celebrate 'prarambhotsavas’ in all schools on May 31," the DDPI said.
Members of School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), local representatives and parents have been invited for Prarambhotsavas. Unlike previous years, free text books and uniforms have also been kept ready for students at schools, which will be distributed to them on May 31 itself, he informed adding that all measures are aimed at making schools attractive, interesting and happier for the kids.
Chinnara Angala
There are a total of 98 Chinnara Angala centres functioning in Dakshina Kannada, playing a predominant role in educating the average students. "Those students who lag behind in studies are sent to these centres and are given alternative teaching, just to see that they should not feel inferior to their peers," DDPI Chame Gowda said.
The centres include 11 residential ones to encourage the economically backward. Food and shelter are supplied to them with the help of the public and donors.