Chennai: State govt has asked the heads of all of its schools to enrol 30% more students than last year.At a meeting convened by chief education officers (CEOs) last week, school heads were asked to bring in at least 50 enrolments each at the upper primary and middle school entry levels (Classes I to VI). In some districts, including Chennai, heads were asked to submit a report to the respective CEO by May 15 on the number of admissions made so far.“We have been asked to go door to door and take the govt schemes to the public, especially if there are children waiting to get enrolled in schools. Teachers will work on shifts to go canvassing and also be present in schools to encourage visitors to admit their wards,” said K Sasikala, a school head.High and higher secondary school teachers have been told to canvass on a need basis this time. Teachers part of campaigning said the ongoing admissions to private schools under Right to Education (RTE) Act were hindering enrolments in govt schools. “This year, govt has opened up RTE portals, and the process will go on till the last week of this month. Only those who do not get seats under RTE will come to govt schools. So, the admissions may pick up pace only later this month,” said a headmaster.Chennai CEO M Kabir said while admissions will go on till July 31, teachers need to canvass only till May 31. “Instructions were already given in March for admissions. The process has been underway for the past month,” he said. There are no rigid targets, he added.Teachers’ associations said the department must demarcate administrative and non-administrative staff to ease the burden on teachers.
