ZP CEO flags low enrolment, poor results in govt schools

Dharwad: Expressing concern over poor enrolment and low academic performance in some schools, Dharwad zilla panchayat chief executive officer Bhuvanesh Patil directed education department officials and teachers to encourage parents to admit their children to nearby govt schools with better results.Chairing a review meeting of education department officials and headmasters at the zilla panchayat office, Patil analysed the SSLC results of 2025-26 and reviewed preparations for the 2026-27 academic year. He stressed the need to strengthen govt schools through improved academic performance, community participation and sustained interaction with parents.Patil observed that some schools with consistently poor results and very low student strength were failing to attract admissions. He instructed officials and teachers to convince parents to enrol their children in nearby govt schools that offer quality education. However, he clarified that there is no proposal to merge govt schools.He said regular parent-teacher meetings should be conducted and community involvement increased to build confidence in govt schools. Officials were also asked to focus on improving infrastructure, learning standards and student participation.Reviewing SSLC performance, Patil noted that the district improved from 18th to 12th position in the state during 2025-26 and said govt schools showed encouraging results. He asked officials to take steps to further increase enrolment.He also reviewed schools that recorded below 40% SSLC results for three consecutive years and those with low strength. Special attention was sought for schools in Hubballi, Dharwad, Kundgol and Navalgund where results were comparatively poor.Patil directed officials to visit all schools with less than 60% results and submit reports. He instructed them to prepare special action plans from June for improving learning levels of SC, ST and minority students.With schools reopening on June 1, Patil directed authorities to ensure buildings are safe and immediately report repair works. He also reviewed implementation of the mid-day meal scheme.Deputy director of public instruction Umesh Bommakkanavar welcomed participants and conducted the meeting.