Adilabad: With the State’s flagship school enrolment campaign Badi Baata resuming from June 6 to 12, education officials across the joint Adilabad district are under pressure to restore public faith in government schools especially after the closure of over 100 schools last year due to zero student turnout. The Education Department has now pledged concrete steps to ensure uninterrupted schooling in remote areas and prevent further closures. Officials cite that many of last year’s shutdowns that included 32 in Adilabad, 45 in Nirmal, and 34 in Kumram Bheem Asifabad occurred due to the absence of students, compounded by teacher adjustments under GO 317 and administrative reshuffles.
Despite setbacks, some government schools are now beginning to compete with private institutions in terms of performance. However, disparities remain. While a few campuses have become models of excellence, many still lack basic infrastructure, leading to parental mistrust and migration to private options.
Currently, Adilabad district has 1,256 government schools with 1,25,293 students. Nirmal reports 822 schools with 1,12,385 students; Kumram Bheem Asifabad has 1,122 schools with 82,979 students; and Mancherial houses 821 schools with 1,05,354 enrolled.
District Education Officer Srinivas Reddy stated that Badi Baata is being given top priority this year. “Enrolment is steadily increasing. From June 13, staff adjustments will be done according to the guidelines,” he said, expressing hope for sustained progress beyond the week-long campaign.