Prime Highlights :
- Karnataka’s School Literacy and Education Department will introduce bilingual teaching in Kannada and English in selected government primary schools.
- A special enrolment drive has begun across Dakshina Kannada district to increase admissions in government schools, including PMSHRI and Karnataka Public Schools.
Key Facts :
- The enrolment campaign targets 560 government primary schools, 20 PMSHRI schools, and 9 Karnataka Public Schools in Dakshina Kannada district.
- Education authorities aim to increase enrolment by 5% in government primary schools and by 10% in KPS and PMSHRI schools during the 2025-26 academic year.
Background :
The School Literacy and Education Department of Karnataka on Wednesday launched a special enrolment drive for government primary schools that will begin bilingual education from the 2026-27 academic year. Under the new plan, selected government schools will teach students in both Kannada and English.
Dakshina Kannada is one of the 15 districts in the State where bilingual teaching will be introduced in government primary schools. The initiative aims to improve learning opportunities for children and increase enrolment in public schools.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Block Education Officers of Mangaluru South and Mangaluru North, H.R. Eshwar and James Cutinho, said the drive began on Wednesday with officials visiting houses in both rural and urban areas. They will meet parents directly and encourage them to admit their children to government schools.
The officials said the campaign will focus on increasing student strength in 560 government primary schools across Dakshina Kannada district. Along with primary schools, the drive will also promote admissions to 20 Pradhan Mantri School For Rising India (PMSHRI) schools and nine Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) in the district.
According to the education officers, the enrolment drive will be conducted in stages. Block-level activities will take place on May 15, hobli-level programmes will be held on May 18, and cluster-level drives will be organised on May 20.
Mr. Eshwar said the department has fixed targets as part of the campaign. Authorities have been asked to increase enrolment by 5% in government primary schools and by 10% in KPS and PMSHRI schools during the 2025-26 academic year.
The officials added that teachers have already received training to handle bilingual teaching methods. Students will also be provided with textbooks that include content printed in both Kannada and English, helping them learn the two languages together.
The department hopes the bilingual model will attract more parents and strengthen government schooling in the district.
