Private schools offering Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus in the State are facing a slump in their annual student intake, largely owing to the current economic slump. Particularly affected are the CBSE schools in rural areas of Malabar. Many schools have reported up to 20% fall in new admissions.
It has become a matter of concern for the CBSE schools when viewed against the backdrop of the steady flow into State syllabus schools, especially government schools. The economic slump set off by the demonetisation announced in November 2016 has been aggravated by the slowdown in the Gulf. Many expatriate families from Malabar have been affected by the stringent laws in Gulf. Many parents have been forced to move their children out of CBSE schools solely for economic reasons.
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“It may be temporary, but the trend is found widely across Malabar. A section of parents have moved away from the CBSE not because the State syllabus is more attractive, but because they can’t afford the fee. Some parents told us that they would happily continue in the CBSE if we halve the fee,” said M. Abdul Nazer, State general secretary of the All India Private Schools and Children Welfare Association.
Also teachers of government schools are being pressured by teacher unions and PTAs to admit their children in government schools. A teacher at Nilambur had to shift her child from a private school after she was threatened by some union members that she would be transferred to Kasaragod if she did not acquiesce.
Indira Rajan, general secretary of the Kerala CBSE Schools Management Association, said the trend had spared city schools. Ms. Rajan said parents in cities were usually better informed about the quality of education offered in State and CBSE streams. “Only a section of parents will be attracted by the freebies offered as part of strengthening the public education system. The results will speak ultimately. I’m sure those leaving the CBSE will return when they realise the difference in quality. Quality cannot be generated in a day,” said Ms. Rajan.
According to Mr. Nazer, who is also president of the Malappuram Sahodaya School Complex, the fall in CBSE admissions will be temporary. “There is nothing attractive in the State stream other than freebies, including marks. This trend will reverse in a year or two,” he said.
