Extra marks for students whose parents exercise their franchise

In a competitive education system, every mark counts. With that in mind, children who go to private schools are likely to urge parents to exercise their franchise on May 12.

The reason? Many private State board schools across Karnataka have decided to award children four marks in their mid-term examination if their parents cast their vote. If only one parent votes, the student will be given two marks. Managements said the reason behind the initiative is to improve voter turnout, which stood at 70.23% in the 2013 Assembly elections. In comparison, Bengaluru trailed at 52.8%.

Parents, after casting their vote, will have to report to their child’s school, show the authorities their inked finger and fill up a form. D. Shashi Kumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka, said that directions had been sent to nearly 3,000 of its member schools, and that a large number of them had agreed to implement it. “As school managements, it is our responsibility to instil among students a sense of democracy. With this move, we want children to become change agents and urge their parents to vote,” he said.

This initiative was undertaken given that polling day falls on a Saturday, when parents often plan short weekend holidays away from the city. Schools will also conduct a lucky draw among all parents, who have voted and registered with them. Mr. Kumar said a few “lucky” students will get games, scholarships and gadgets. “Each individual school can decide on the gifts based on their budget and what they feel will be useful for the children,” he said, adding that schools have been instructed not to give away money. The lucky draw is targeted at primary school students.

While individual schools had attempted a similar exercise in the past, this is the first time that a large number of schools under the banner are carrying out the “marks for vote” initiative.

“This will compel parents to go out and cast their vote. Many children in the neighbourhood are also carrying out awareness campaigns,” said Hemalatha B., a parent.