The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Higher Primary School in Newpadpu, Harekala, known for being the institution of Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba, has seen 13 admissions to its new Kannada-English bilingual medium this academic year. This initiative is part of a larger push by the state government, which granted permission for 38 schools across the district to begin bilingual programs.
Harekala Hajabba, who had long advocated for a bilingual school, expressed his happiness upon the approval. He noted that the bilingual school would significantly benefit local students who previously had to rely on private schools. However, he highlighted a shortage of classrooms and mentioned that construction of two additional classrooms is underway to accommodate more students.
Rajeshwari, the school’s headmistress, shared that while the pre-primary classes had good enrollment, the bilingual Class 1 had only 13 students due to the late notification of permission, which came after the academic year had already started. As a result, most children had already enrolled in other schools. Despite this, she remains optimistic, stating that once the classroom situation is resolved, admissions will likely increase next year.
Venkatesha Subraya Patagara, Deputy Director of Public Instruction for Dakshina Kannada, mentioned that bilingual schools across the district are receiving positive responses, with some seeing over 100 admissions.
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