For the new academic year, 30 government higher primary schools in Dakshina Kannada district have introduced English medium classes, with Bantwal block receiving the largest share. The state government has approved 1,419 schools for bilingual education in English and Kannada. In Dakshina Kannada, 30 schools were selected. Mathematics and English will follow the NCERT syllabus, while environmental studies and Kannada will use the Karnataka Textbook Association’s curriculum.
The English Language Training Organization and the Azeem Premji Foundation will provide teachers with handbooks, study and teaching materials, and e-lessons. Bantwal block has 13 schools selected, Mangaluru North has six, Mangaluru South has four, Sullia has four, Puttur has two, and Beltangady has one.
DDPI Venkatesha Patagar expressed optimism about the scheme’s reception in rural areas, noting that maximum admissions are typically observed in the district’s government primary schools each year. He mentioned that English medium lessons are already conducted in 82 schools in the district with positive feedback. Last year, 2,834 students enrolled. Current teachers will handle English medium classes along with Kannada, with training provided by DIET. There is no admission limit, and the process is ongoing.
In Bantwal block, selected schools include GHPS Moodupadukodi, GHP Model School Okkettur, GHPS Shamboor, and others. In Beltangady block, GHPS Kashipatna has been selected. In Mangaluru North, GHP Model School Marakada and others are chosen. In Mangaluru South, GHPS Rajagudde and others are selected. In Puttur block, GHPS Kodimbadi and GHPS Samethadka are selected. In Sullia block, GHPS Devachalla and other schools are selected.
During the 2023-24 academic year, 2,834 students joined English medium classes across 82 government schools in the district.
