Merger of Low Enrolment Schools in Karnataka

Vinod Kakumanu
Dec. 6, 2021, 3:55 p.m.

After calls to create a better academic environment in the state’s government schools, the Karnataka Government put forth a proposal to set up a ‘model school’ in every gram panchayat. These schools will be created by merging local schools together.

The plan was initiated in response to the abysmally low student enrolments in schools; 10,588 schools run by the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) have only up to 20 students each, with over 3,000 having less than 10 this academic year. According to B.C. Nagesh, Minster of Primary and Secondary Education, “This is not a sustainable model. If we merge such schools into a bigger ‘model’ school, there will be better focus on academic performance.”

Each model school will be made up of schools in the same panchayats to increase student strength. Teaching and non-teaching staff, too, will be put together. To be able to increase facilities further, funds will be pooled.

To ensure the best of such facilities, former Education Minister Kimmane Rathnakar also urged the Government to tie up with corporates. “I had a similar idea where public schools are set up in all gram panchayats,” he said. “We need quality schools in every village with good student strength, one teacher per section, transport facility, nutritious midday meals, etc. The government should ensure transport for all students.”