Mission on the right track

Siddamalla Khot, the headmaster of a Kannada govt school in Belagavi district, is offering a fixed deposit of Rs 1,000 for each new student enrolling in the school to increase enrolment

- TUSHAR A MAJUKAR AND CA ITNALMATH @Athani (Belagavi district)

N an inspiring attempt to counter the steady decline in student enrolment, Siddamalla Khot, the headmaster of a Kannada government school in Adahallatti village (Hipparagi Tota), Athani taluk in Belagavi district, has introduced a unique initiative.

Out of his pocket, he is offering a fixed deposit of Rs 1,000 for each new student enrolling in the school. The deposit, made in the student's name, will mature after 18 years, serving as a small but valuable incentive for parents to enroll their children in government school.

Over the past few years, numerous government schools in rural areas have faced closures due to dwindling student numbers. Economic difficulties, demographic changes, and increasing competition from private institutions have exacerbated the problem. The Kannada government school where Khot serves has also suffered a similar fate.