CLASS 1 ADMISSIONS TO GOVT SCHOOLS PLUNGE IN HAVERIBasavaraj Maralihalli/TNN/Cld by KattimaniHaveri:First-grade admissions across the district fell sharply this year despite the govt spending crores of rupees on infrastructure and rolling out schemes such as free textbooks, uniforms, hot midday meals and milk distribution to boost enrolment in govt schools. According to the education department’s SATS enrolment progress report, 17,093 children enrolled in first grade across the district this year, compared with 23,673 during the same period last year. Enrolment dropped by 6,580 children in one year, a fall of nearly 27.8%.In govt schools, first-grade enrolment fell from 12,667 last year to 8,556 this academic year, a decline of 4,111 students. Against the target set, govt schools achieved only 70.13% of expected first-grade admissions, while overall first-grade enrolment progress in the district stood at 74.03%, according to departmental data.No taluk in the district escaped the decline. Haveri, Ranebennur, Hangal, Hirekerur, Shiggaon, Savanur and Byadgi all recorded lower first-grade admissions than last year. In Ranebennur, the district’s largest taluk, enrolment fell from 5,095 to 3,685, while in Haveri it declined from 4,544 to 3,454.The decline was linked to several factors, including a growing preference among parents for private schools, migration to urban areas, attraction towards English-medium education and the merger of schools in some rural regions. It was said the education department needed to carry out a detailed study of these issues.First grade formed the foundation of schooling, and a decline at this stage could affect the total number of students in govt schools in the coming years. The report highlighted the need for door-to-door drives to ensure admissions, efforts to attract Anganwadi children to govt schools, special campaigns to build parents’ confidence and stronger measures to improve the quality of govt schools.Education experts said the downward trend in first-grade admissions should not be viewed merely as statistics but as a warning sign about the future of govt schools.Quote“Compared to last year, first-grade enrolment has declined. Details of some children who have already been admitted are still pending entry in the department’s SATS portal. Considerable efforts have been made to attract students to government schools.”-Mohan Dandina, DDPI, HaveriTaluk-wise dataTaluk 2025–26 2026–27Byadgi 1,089 731Hangal 2,335 1,591Haveri 2,159 1,555Hirekerur 1,742 1,114Ranebennur 2,035 1,337Savanur 1,613 1,090Shiggaon 1,694 1,138Total 12,667 8,556EOM/30.07.2029/Basavaraj Maralihalli