Enrolment drive launched in Dakshina Kannada to raise govt school admissions

Mangaluru: Education department in Dakshina Kannada has launched a district-wide enrolment campaign to meet the state govt’s directive to increase admissions in govt schools for the 2026-27 academic year.Under the target, all govt primary and high schools in the district have been asked to increase enrolment by 5%, while PM SHRI Schools and Karnataka Public Schools must achieve a 10% rise.Total enrolment in the district stood at around 3,26,580 in 2025-26.Officials said the enrolment campaign for 2026-27 is being organised jointly by Mangalore North zone taluk office, taluk panchayat, office of the block education officer (BEO) and the block resource centre. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness among parents and the public about admissions in govt and PM SHRI schools.Addressing reporters Wednesday, Mangaluru North BEO James Cutinho and South BEO HR Eshwara said BEOs in Mangaluru North and South will conduct awareness drives across 190 schools.Cutinho said the initiative is being implemented with support from village panchayats, urban local bodies, school development and monitoring committees, teachers and local residents.As part of the campaign, teams will begin visiting homes in both rural and urban areas from May 13 to identify school-age children and encourage parents to enrol them in nearby govt schools. Special focus will be placed on children who have dropped out and those in classes 1 to 5.