Efforts by alumni of Government Higher Secondary School at Pasur in Kodumudi Union has started to yield results as induction of two vans to transport students to the school at free of cost has helped in admitting 100 students so far in the academic year.
Started as a high school in 1962, the school was upgraded as a higher secondary school in 1980. Since the schools is located near River Cauvery, bordering Namakkal district, and in the absence of private schools and government higher secondary schools in those days within 15 km. radius, on an average 1,200 students pursued from Class 6 to 12 till 1990’s. However, upgrading of government high schools as higher secondary schools and starting of private schools that offered free transportation led to decline in admission in the school.
Last year the students’ strength was 168 while the teachers’ strength was 21. Things started to change after alumni formed “Alumni Trust” in February this year and decided to review the admissions.
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R. Shankar, manager of the trust, was appointed to oversee admission process and improve the facilities at the schools. “The entire premises were painted, fans and tube lights were installed in all the classrooms besides carrying out repair works to the benches and tables”, he said. The trust purchased a van at ₹ 5 lakh and operated it for transporting students at free of cost.
“The cost of fuel and driver’s salary is borne by the trust”, said S.K. Muthusamy, president of the trust.
Another van was purchased and is operated from June 3 to Molasi, Solasiramani and to Kalpachapali, all in Namakkal district that helped in getting 100 admissions. A total of 100 students are transported in the two vans everyday to the school.
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R. Saranya from Kalpachapali, a Class XI student, said that she faced difficulty in boarding buses to reach the school near her house and hence she joined the school as transportation is convenient. S. Jeyasuriya from Solasiramani, a Class VIII student and S. Harikrishnan, a Class V student, both were pursuing studies at a private school in their area. “Since our parents were unable to pay the fees, we moved to the school as van facility is available”, they added.
Headmaster M. Ramesh Babu told The Hindu that 20 Plus-Two students have come out successful last year and after admitting new students, the current strength is 248. “Usually the admission per year is less than 20 for many years and due to availability of transportation facility now, we were able to admit 100 students this year”, he added.