Kottagudem: Government teachers are working hard to increase school enrollment

Kothagudem. An initiative by government schoolteachers in remote tribal village Kaliveru in Cherla mandalaimed at bringing out-of-school children back into the education system has not only yielded encouraging results but also received praise from the community. Teachers of the government upper primary school in Kaliveru villagehireda seven-seater auto-rickshaw at their own expense to arrange transportation for students from neighbouring villages. Their proactive move has led to a significant increase in enrolment in the school.

Children of Kalivaru used to go to school regularly

The school's headmaster B Dasharathm said the school had students from Kaliveru and nearby villages such as Mummudivaram, Lingala and Togula. Children from Kaliveru attended school regularly, but many primary school students from other villages dropped out because of the distance and their families' inability to afford private transport. To tackle the problem, the teachers pooled resources and hired an auto rickshaw for Rs 7,000 per month. It was implemented soon after the state-wide 'Badi Baat' enrolment drive ended. Dasharathm said the school also launched a massive awareness campaign highlighting the availability of free transport.

Admission process is still going on

The school has witnessed a significant increase in the number of students, thanks to the transport facility and effective enrolment drive. Currently, there are 140 students in the primary section and 35 in the upper primary section, and the admission process is still underway. Earlier, the total student strength was 90. Despite the increase in enrolment, the school is facing a shortage of teaching staff. Only seven teachers out of the eight sanctioned posts are working, while the post of school assistant (Telugu) is vacant. As per the norms, one more secondary grade teacher (SGT) is required as the primary section now has more than 100 students.

At present deputation is not permitted

The matter was brought to the notice of higher authorities. However, the teachers were told that deputation is not allowed at present and they will have to wait for new recruitment. The teachers have suggested that staff from schools with low enrolment but full capacity may be temporarily posted at Kaliveru to handle the workload.

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