Govt schools make a personal pitch to parents ahead of new academic year

Hubballi: Govt schools in the district have launched an extensive door-to-door enrolment campaign to boost student admissions for the 2026-27 academic year. As part of the drive, teachers are visiting neighbourhoods to create awareness about facilities, welfare schemes, and new initiatives, intending to improve enrolment before the academic year begins.At present, 3,13,935 students are enrolled in Classes 1 to 10 across the district, including private and aided institutions. Of these, 1,23,184 students are enrolled at 847 govt schools. Officials said such outreach efforts are crucial to strengthening the govt school system and ensuring equitable access to education.The govt will extend bilingual education from the coming academic year, with students being taught in both Kannada and English. Bilingual classes have already been introduced in more than 80 govt schools in the district, and several more will be added in 2026-27. In addition, more govt schools will start LKG and UKG classes to curb enrolment in private institutions.Govt Higher Primary School, Nekar Colony, has taken special initiatives to introduce LKG and UKG from the current academic year. The school has printed attractive pamphlets highlighting available facilities and the quality of education, which will be distributed through a door-to-door campaign. Promotional materials have also been displayed on shop walls, temple gates and the school premises.Yashavanti Narasappanavar, in-charge headmaster of the school, said the initiative was taken by the school management to counter declining enrolment in govt schools. "Our aim is not only to increase enrolment but also to provide quality education free of cost," she told TOI.She added that all streets under the school's jurisdiction will be covered in the special drive. Fifteen parents have already expressed interest, and registration for LKG has begun. The school has a well-equipped building and playground, with only painting work pending.DDPI Shankmukh Swamy Keladimath said schools across the district have been instructed to conduct enrolment campaigns in surrounding areas. "More than 80 schools have already adopted the bilingual medium, and we are confident enrolment will improve," he said.