Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh is implementing the “Badi Pilustondi” (Let’s Revive the School) campaign to boost enrollment in government schools, countering declining numbers attributed to a preference for private institutions. The initiative, launched on May 29th, involves extensive village-level visits by teams comprising teachers, village/ward secretaries, and local volunteers.
The campaign’s primary goal is to personally connect with parents who have withdrawn their children from government schools or haven’t enrolled them, understanding their concerns and persuading them to reconsider. Teams are equipped with data on out-of-school children and aim to cover every household.
Key findings from initial surveys reveal reasons for declining enrollment include perceptions of poor infrastructure, lack of English-medium instruction, and a belief that private schools offer a better quality of education. The campaign addresses these concerns by highlighting recent improvements in government schools – infrastructure upgrades, introduction of bilingual education (Telugu and English), and the implementation of the Nadu-Nedu scheme focusing on school renovation and resource provision.
As of June 6th, the campaign has reached over 3.2 lakh households. Preliminary results show a positive impact with approximately 8,000 students re-enrolled in government schools and around 2,500 new admissions. The district education department aims to re-enroll 15,000 students and secure 5,000 new admissions before the academic year begins.
The campaign isn’t solely focused on enrollment numbers. It also emphasizes creating awareness about the benefits of government schools, including free education, midday meals, and scholarships. Special focus is given to enrolling children who dropped out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
District Education Officer (DEO) K. Chandra Kala emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts and community involvement for the campaign’s long-term success. The initiative is being monitored closely, with daily reports submitted on progress and challenges encountered. The success of Srikakulam’s “Badi Pilustondi” could serve as a model for other districts in Andhra Pradesh facing similar enrollment challenges.
