Sullia: Several government schools in Sullia are on the verge of closure due to the declining number of students. A school in Aletti village seems to be facing the same situation as Bhutakallu government primary school. Rangathamale school which has only a primary section up to Class 5, the total strength of the school is only 7. Only two students have joined this year for Class 1, followed by one student in Class 2, two students each in Class 3 and 4 and there are no students in class 5. There were only six students last year and the number has increased to seven.

The school, 15 kms away from Sullia is situated on a hill and is surrounded by hamlets. The school started in 1999 with a total strength of 30-35 students. Down the years, the number of students has drastically reduced.

Children from Rangathamale, Moolebaddadka, Talepalla and other areas study in this school. Though there are more than 60 families in the vicinity, the parents have been sending their children to schools in cities which is the ultimate reason for the decline in number of students in these government schools.

Though a new school building was constructed in 2002, which consists of classroom, washroom, drinking water facility, electricity and all the basic facilities, the number of students joining the school was not as expected. Even under Sarwa Shikshana education project, additional bathroom and toilets were constructed.

It is not only the plight of this particular school, but many of the other government and aided schools are facing a similar crisis. When the education department officials were queried about it, they replied saying that since the school is open for admission till June 15, it would be easier to provide the exact strength of the school.

There is a need to create awareness among the parents about the facilities being provided to children by government schools and we must protect and preserve those schools which are on the verge of closure, opine the locals.