There seems to be a downward slide in enrolment in government schools in the State. In just two years, the student strength in these schools has plummeted by 2.14 lakh. However, there is some positive news in some sections, particularly Bengaluru. Government schools in Bengaluru North and Bengaluru South divisions saw a marginal increase in student strength, while Bengaluru Rural saw a dip.
The numbers say it all. According to statistics provided by Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Tanveer Sait during his reply to BJP member C.T. Ravi in the Assembly on Wednesday, the student strength in government schools has reduced from 48,64,509 in 2014-15 to 46,50,349 in 2016-17 from classes 1 to 10.
A break-up of student strength in government schools in different districts shows that student strength increased in Bengaluru North during this period by 1,982 and in Bengaluru South by 2,038, but decreased in Bengaluru Rural by 4,654.
The Minister blamed “craze among parents” to educate their wards in English-medium schools as the main reason for decline in student strength in government schools.
Also, the number of English-medium private schools had increased, he pointed out. He also cited migration of families to urban areas as the reason for decline in students’ enrolment in government schools in villages.
Various measures were being implemented to improve the quality of education, including appointment of graduate teachers for classes 6 to 8, he said.
The government is also thinking of setting up pre-primary schools as there were no government pre-primary schools in government sector so far, he said. In addition to this, efforts were being made to efficiently implement welfare measures such as providing free uniforms, shoes, bicycles, midday meal scheme and Ksheera Bhagya, he said. However, the Opposition members, including Mr. Ravi, alleged that poor infrastructure, such as dilapidated school buildings was the main reason for decline in student strength in government schools.
Janata Dal (S) member Y.S.V. Datta argued that the Right to Education (RTE), which allows quota in private schools, was the main reason for parents to move their wards from government schools to private schools.
