Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Jul 12: Even as the education department and teachers strive to increase enrolment in government schools, several institutions in the Kundapur region are facing a worrying drop in student numbers. In some schools with as many as five grades, only three or four students are enrolled. With basic infrastructure funding and teacher appointments falling short, the question remains: how can enrolment be improved?

Currently, 47 schools in the Kundapur education zone have fewer than 25 students. Of the 58 schools surveyed, 40 have fewer than 40 students. In the current academic year, enrolment in the lower primary section includes 804 students in government schools and 43 in unaided schools, totalling 847. In the higher primary section, there are 8,580 students in government schools, 1,116 in aided schools, 580 in unaided institutions, and 221 in residential schools. At the high school level, government schools have 13,473 students, aided schools 1,987, unaided schools 12,618, and residential schools 624 — bringing the total to 28,702 students.

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There are currently 93 vacant teaching posts in government primary schools, of which 63 have been filled through guest teacher appointments. The recruitment process for the remaining posts is ongoing. In government high schools, 35 posts are vacant, with 34 filled by guest teachers.

The growing preference for English-medium education is seen as a key reason behind the decline in government school enrolments. In response, the state government has introduced English-medium sections in some government schools, which has positively impacted enrolment numbers in select institutions. This move is being seen as a boon for the survival of government schools.

Although there is currently no proposal to shut down any schools, there is speculation that in future, schools with low enrolment may be merged with nearby institutions. Running a school for just three students can cost the government lakhs annually. This includes monthly salaries of Rs 70,000 to Rs 90,000 for teachers, staff wages, food supplies, gas, milk, eggs, bananas, books, shoes, uniforms, electricity, and other essentials. The cost per student in such cases is said to rival that of engineering education.

Some of the lower primary schools with fewer students include Balejeddu Hosangadi (3), Shan Kattu Amparu (4), Balmane (6), Bechalli (6), Guddattu (9), Bada Bepade Madamaki (11), Harkadi-Halladi Harkadi (12), Kumbaramaki Kulenji (13), Bantakodu Ulloor-74 (13), Kelasunka (14), Hosamatha Korgi (14), Karuru Hosangadi (14), Maratturu Molahalli (15), Bhagimane Hosangadi (15), Huncharabettu Kundapur (15), Tarekodlu – Siddapura (16), Madamaki Paschima (16), Nadabooru (16), Hale Amasebailu (17), Manigeri (17), Gangolli (17), Krodabailu (18), Kela (20), Kolanakallu (20), Konihara Molahalli (20), Varahi Ulloor-74 (20), Airbailu Siddapura (20), Gavali – Halladi Harkadi (21), Moodu Haladi (21), Gopadi Padu Paschima (21), Kasadi (24), Maddugudde Kundapur (25), Gantubilu (26), Konjadi Aladi (26), Kailkere (26), Hanejedd (26), Maruru (26), Shedimane (27), and Goliyangadi (28).

Higher primary schools with low enrolment include Maladi Tekkatte (10), Jamburu Ulloor-74 (12), Hole Bagilu Machattu (13), Mooduvaluru Kavradi (13), Gulladi (16), Badabetto Beluru (22), Ashraya Colony TT Road Kundapur (23), Souda (25), Balkuru Uttara (26), Kolkere Basroor (27), Netaji Halnadu (28), Jai Bharat Nellikatte (24), Chitteri Siddapura (30), Haltur (30), Mavinakodlu (31), Sri Mahalingeshwara Ulluru (35), Anagalli (37), Kondalli (39), and Jeddinagadde (40).

“There is no proposal to close any schools as of now. The admission process is still ongoing. Teachers are making special efforts to bring more children to government schools. Despite the low student numbers, all facilities are being provided,” said Shobha Shetty, education officer, Kundapur.