Dakshina Kannada is witnessing a troubling trend of schools receiving zero admissions each year. According to the department of school education and literacy, 14 schools have received no admissions for the current academic year. This includes two lower primary government schools in Sullia, six aided schools (two high schools and four higher primary schools), and six unaided or private schools (three high schools, two higher primary, and one lower primary). Seven of these schools are within the Mangaluru North BEO limits, while three are in Mangaluru South.
In the previous academic year, nine schools, including three government schools, had zero admissions. A senior official from the education department noted that schools with zero or below ten admissions are considered on the verge of closure. In the 2022-23 academic year, the number of schools with zero admissions rose to 20, including three government schools.
Government schools receive zero admissions mainly due to the lack of children in those areas. Aided schools suffer from poor admissions due to the absence of permanent teachers sponsored by the government, making it difficult to afford guest teachers. Similarly, unaided schools struggle with poor admissions as they rely on fee money to pay salaries and maintain the institution, leading to their closure. When schools close, students are transferred to nearby institutions.
Venkatesha Subraya Patagara, the deputy director of public instruction (DDPI), stated that schools with zero admissions will be temporarily closed and reopened once they receive admissions. Government schools are officially closed only after three years of zero admissions. Teachers from zero admission schools are transferred to nearby schools needing additional staff.
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