KIDS DENIED ADMISSION DUE TO LACK OF FACILITIES

Many students were turned away by government schools despite the massive enrolment programme under the Badi Bata scheme. The students were turned away due to lack of basic facilities and teachers in government schools, as also due to students’ low academic rankings, sources said. Parents, teachers and students are questioning why the refusal of admissions after introduction of the English medium and Badi Bata programme.

A survey last year showed students aged between 14 and 15 years and studying in Classes

9 and 10 did not even learn the alphabets properly, making a mockery of the education system. Even those who could not read or write were given admission to Class 6 and 7.

“These students have missed education due to

Covid-19 and want to study again. But, due to lack of facilities and teachers, only the best students are enrolled,” said R. Sharada, incharge headmistress of a government school here. “It would be helpful if the government introduced bridge courses for students who were not enrolled in school but want to join so that they gain the basic knowledge and are eligible for admission,” she said. Headmasters are wondering as to how they will manage over three lakh new admissions in the post-Covidscenario, with a huge shortage of teachers, classrooms and basic facilities. “The government is expecting subject teachers to teach in English after a basic English enhancement course. This is difficult and there is also a lack of basic facilities,” stated M. Ravindar, headmaster in-charge of a government school.