Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 30: Encouraged by the overwhelming response to the state’s first-ever mega Parent Teacher Meeting (PTM), the Department of School Education and Literacy has decided to make PTMs mandatory once every two months in all government schools across Karnataka.

In a circular issued to schools, the department has outlined a structured schedule under which parents must be invited compulsorily every two months. During these meetings, parents will be briefed on their children’s academic performance, progress in extracurricular activities and any shortcomings or negative remarks, officials said.

The decision follows the mega PTM organised statewide on Children’s Day, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from parents. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had inaugurated the initiative, marking the first such large-scale PTM held in government schools.

A senior department official said the move aims to strengthen parental involvement in government education. “Such meetings will help parents understand their responsibility in their child’s progress. It will also foster a healthy relationship between teachers and parents and improve the overall learning environment,” the official explained.

Teachers, however, pointed out that PTMs are a relatively new concept in government schools. “Earlier, even convincing parents to visit schools, especially in rural areas, was difficult. But after the mega PTM, many parents are now happy and willing to interact with teachers,” said Chandrakala, a head teacher at a government high school.

Unlike private schools, where PTMs are routine, this was the first time state-run schools adopted the practice on such a scale. The department has said that an annual PTM calendar will be issued, and all schools must strictly adhere to it, with a minimum of five PTMs planned in an academic year.

During the mega PTM, schools were instructed to serve mid-day meals to parents as well. Teachers said there is, however, no clarity yet on whether the practice will continue during future PTMs.