Much as is happening in other talukas, a few of Pernem’s government schools could face closure due to nil enrolment. Pernem taluka had 75 government schools in 2014, of which three schools closed in 2015 and two schools in 2016.
They are the government middle school at Varkhand, government primary school at Katurle, government primary school at Khutwal, government primary school at Bandarwada Tuem and government primary school at Sangav Ozari. The ADEI, however, said that this year enrollment has increased as compared to last year.
There are around 70 government schools in the Pernem taluka which is thrice the number of aided and non-aided schools but the enrollment rate in government schools is much lower. Private schools receiving government grants in Pernem are 22.
Locals say that the government is allowing private schools with classes from the kindergarten to high school to come up at the short distance from government school and parents prefer to enroll their children in private schools.
“We prefer enrolling our children in private schools due to the facilities provided in the schools and the quality of education in these,” a local resident said.
There is more than one school in every major area of Pernem taluka, which leads to competition where the government school is the loser with low enrolments.
The “Bal Rath” facility – transportation for students – was started for government schools but this facility has now been also given to private schools due to which students are willing to travel a longer distance to get to the school of their choice.
Quality of education in government schools is a question mark. There are some which are provided with only one teacher, leaving the teacher overburdened with four classes at the same time along with having to deal with administrative work. Due to this students don’t get enough attention. Also, parents complain that if a teacher goes on leave, then there is no replacement.
Locals suggest that instead of providing grants to private schools or giving permission to private schools, government should provide facilities in these schools so that it increases enrollments.
“All government schools are Marathi medium and English is taught but as a subject. Right now learning English and having fluency is necessary for our children’s career,” said Pragati Mhaldar, a parent.
To meet the demand for English, the government has provided a teacher to government schools but one teacher has to teach in three schools, so in a week the teacher is available for just two days per school. This has led to doubts in parents’ minds on the improvement in English skills of their children.
