Mangaluru: The implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in Dakshina Kannada continues to see minimal interest from parents, with the 2024–25 academic year recording yet another dismal response. Out of the 326 available RTE seats, only 31 have been filled following the second round of allotment.
This year’s figures show a significant decline compared to earlier years. The number of participating schools has dropped to 83, and 295 seats still remain unfilled. In total, 408 out of 457 sanctioned seats across the district were left vacant.
Govinda Madivala, DDPI of Dakshina Kannada, reported that admissions occurred only in unaided schools across four educational zones: Mangaluru South (15 admissions), Mangaluru North (8), Belthangady (6), and Moodbidri (2).
Initially, when the RTE Act was rolled out, the district had 1,645 seats allocated, showing a sharp contrast in interest over the years. Officials attribute this decline to multiple factors, including the exemption of several unaided institutions after obtaining minority education status.
A caseworker revealed that aided schools are largely being avoided by parents. “There’s little to no interest in admitting children to aided institutions. Only unaided schools under specific BEO limits saw any enrollment,” the official added.
Another education official suggested rethinking the inclusion of aided schools in RTE lists, as parent preference remains firmly in favor of unaided institutions.