Zero first standard enrolment in 55 schools in DK and Udupi

In a disconcerting trend, it has been observed that not a single student has enrolled in the first grade across 55 government primary schools in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the academic year 2023-24.

The enrolment figures until June 30 confirm the startling reality, with 24 schools in Dakshina Kannada district and 31 schools in Udupi district reporting zero enrolment in the first grade.

Among the affected taluks in Dakshina Kannada, Sullia accounted for 8 schools, whereas 2 schools in Puttur taluk, 4 in Bantwal, 3 in Belthangady,  2 each in Mangaluru North and South, and 3 in Moodbidri recorded zero enrolments first standard. In the Udupi district, Karkala, and Byndoor taluks each had 9 such schools, Kundapura had 5, whereas Udupi and Brahmavara taluks had 4 each, with a total of 31 government primary schools lacking any first-grade students.

One of the primary factors contributing to this decline in enrolment is the growing influence of private English medium schools. Many parents are reluctant to enrol their children in Kannada medium schools due to the allure of private institutions, which often provide additional services like door-to-door transportation. The rise in popularity of English medium schools has resulted in a severe shortage of students in government primary schools, putting their very existence at risk.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, educational authorities have expressed their concern and urged parents to consider the benefits of government schools, emphasizing the conducive environment they provide for quality education.

Dayananda R., the District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) in Dakshina Kannada, mentioned that the enrolment process is still open, and there is hope that some students may yet join the first grade.

Similarly, B. Ganapathi, the DDPI of Udupi District, emphasized the need for parents to be made aware of the advantages of government schools and urged the community to unite in saving these institutions by enroling their children in the nearby village schools.