ZP schools sought out in dist, 34 report waiting lists

Pune: In a striking shift which comes as a boon for govt education in Pune district, the unthinkable is happening at zilla parishad (ZP) schools that are now witnessing queues for admissions after years of shrinking numbers of students.This academic years, 34 ZP schools have reported waiting lists of candidates, driven largely by a rise in demand for semi-English education, improved performance and growing confidence in govt schooling.Schools from talukas like Haveli, Mulshi, Ambegaon, Shirur, Khed, Junnar, Indapur and Purandar are on the list of 34. Mulshi taluka alone accounts for 12 schools, followed by seven in Ambegaon.The schools witnessing the highest demand are ZP school no. 1 and no. 2 in Loni Kalbhor, Haveli taluka, and Tarmala ZP school in Ghevare. In Mulshi, schools in Pirangut, Hinjewadi, Bhugaon, Sus, Lavale, Paud and Man have witnessed a rush for admissions. However, so far, no ZP school in Baramati, Bhor, Daund and Maval talukas has reported waiting lists.Pune ZP chief executive officer Gajanan Patil said growing preference for semi-English education is a big reason for the shift. Many parents from middle and lower-middle-income families see the schools as affordable alternatives to expensive private institutes.A senior district education officer said, "Parents are not looking only at school buildings or brand names. They are observing student performance, spoken English skills, extracurricular achievements and teacher involvement."Teachers said years of sustained efforts have finally changed the public perception of govt schools. "We constantly work for the all-round development of children — whether it is academics, sports, cultural activities or confidence building," said a teacher from Mulshi, Meena Nevase. "Many parents who once preferred private schools are approaching us first. Several families also feel the burden of private school fees and have realised that quality education is equally possible in govt schools."Education officer Sanjay Naikade said several schools had improved infrastructure, introduced digital learning tools and strengthened semi-English teaching methods over the last few years. Participation and success in state-level competitions, scholarship exams and sports events have also boosted the image of ZP schools.Naikade said, "The trend reflects growing trust in public education. Teachers, parents and local communities have collectively contributed to improve the quality of education in district council schools. We are working to ensure that more schools receive facilities like semi-English sections, digital classrooms and learning based on activity."Parents have now demanded that semi-English sections be introduced in more ZP schools so that children can get admissions closer to home, without long waiting periods. Dheeraj Jadhav, a parent from Haveli, said, "We have also studied in ZP schools and want our children to do the same. Teachers in some schools put in a lot of efforts and students are equally engaged in all-round activities. The Jalindernagar school in Pune district is one such example."