Will entry-level admissions at govt schools in Chandigarh become popular?

Tribune News Service

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, February 18

Despite having at least seven specialised pre-primary government schools, the UT Administration has failed to attract parents to get their wards admitted to entry-level classes in these schools.

Schools in Periphery areas doing good

“We do organise a draw of lots in case applications exceed the allotted seats. Sometimes, looking at the demand, we also increase the seats. The schools near the periphery areas get a good response, unlike the ones located in urban areas,” said Prabhjot Kaur, District Education Officer

On the one hand there is a lot of hue and cry about admissions to entry-level classes in private schools here, but on the other hand the government schools have been lagging behind in getting the same popularity.

Besides these seven specialised schools, the UT Education Department has more than 100 government schools and a majority of these offer admission to pre-nursery/nursery classes. However, despite free-of-cost education, only a handful of schools (entry level) manage to fill their seats. While admissions are decided by lot every year at private schools, the government schools hardly conduct such exercise due to a fewer number of applications. “We do organise a draw of lots in case applications exceed the allotted seats. Sometimes, looking at the demand, we also increase the seats. The schools near the periphery areas get a good response, unlike the ones located in urban areas,” said District Education Officer (DEO) Prabhjot Kaur during an interview.

When asked about the facilities provided to the entry-level students, she said: “It’s almost the same as private schools. Our admissions continue till March or April, and for this particular reason, we get admissions on a regular basis. It’s majorly up to parents to choose schools.”

Meanwhile, parents say the Administration’s claims are far from reality. In the Covid times, admissions at government schools have risen to a good number. However, at the entry-level classes, the situation has almost remained the same, said a source.

“Allotment of schools as per residential areas of applicants is one of the biggest drawbacks. There was a time when government schools were among the favourites of local students’ parents. However, now the scenario has changed. Blame it on policies, a shortage of teachers or poor planning, the ultimate loss is of parents,” said a senior official.

“It’s really disheartening to see the current situation. Chandigarh residents spend thousands of rupees on getting eduction for their wards in private schools, while those institutions giving free education are being ignored. There must be some problem and it’s the duty of the UT Administration to find a solution,” said Anmol, a parent.

“If government schools provide the same environment as private institutions, why would one spend so much money to get basic education for his or her ward? This is a major issue. When schools located in Sector 35, 16 and 22 can get a good response, why not others?” questioned Ankit, another parent.

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