CEO calls for steps to boost enrolment in schools in Thalavadi union

With enrolment in schools continuing to drop in Thalavadi union, Chief Educational Officer (CEO) E. Manvizhi directed the headmasters of schools with low enrolment to undertake special measures to increase admissions in the forthcoming academic year.

The CEO on Friday held a meeting with headmasters of primary, middle, high and higher secondary schools in the union and assessed academic progress, student strength and implementation of government schemes. Headmasters were instructed to meet parents of school-age children in their respective areas and interact with local residents to encourage enrolment. Based on parents’ preference, necessary steps may be taken to introduce Tamil- or English-medium sections. The CEO also emphasised the need to create awareness among parents about various welfare schemes provided by the government to students.

To promote girls’ education, a government girls’ hostel is functioning at the Government High School campus in Chikkahalli for students of Classes IX to XII. Though the hostel has a capacity to accommodate 100 students, only 36 have enrolled this academic year. The CEO briefed headmasters on the facilities available at the hostel and the welfare benefits extended to students. An incentive of ₹200 per month is credited directly to each student’s bank account. In addition, essential items such as soap, oil, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, powder and towels, along with stationery including pens, pencils, erasers and notebooks, are provided free of cost.

Headmasters were asked to disseminate these details among girl students and their parents to prevent dropouts and ensure higher enrolment in the hostel in the coming academic year. Parents interested in admitting their daughters were advised to visit the hostel in person for enrolment.

Similar government girls’ hostels are functioning in Sathyamangalam, Nambiyur, Anthiyur and Ammapettai Unions in the district, she said.