Sullia: A government school which brightened the lives of numerous children in a rural area for 6 decades is on the verge of closure as the student strength has dwindled over the years.

The school located at Bhootakallu which is 8 kms away from Sullia town is surrounded by hamlets and most of the people in the area belong to poor communities. Though adequate infrastructure was provided by the educational department in terms of additional class rooms, kitchen for mid-day meals and washrooms for children, the student strength is reducing drastically. In 2011-12 the strength was 9 which fell to 6 in 2014-15 and now it stands at a meagre 2. Though the student -teacher ratio is 2:1 which is impressive by any standards, the school located in the midst of natural greenery is facing imminent closure.

Senior citizen Damodar Kattekala , an alma-mater feels the school can regain its past glory if sincere efforts are made to revive it. His school mate Parameshwar Kattekala feels that, if the school is closed the poor students from nearby villages will be deprived of basic education in the future. Presently the school has primary section from 1st to 5th standard, but most students from nearby hamlets are going to Sullia town for schooling.

According to Block Educational Officer B.S.Kemparangappa , the school may see some improvement in the enrolment before June 15, which is the last date for fresh admissions failing which the school might have to be shut temporarily till the student strength improves. In that situation two students and the teacher will be shifted to a nearby government school.

The guava tree in the school premises which has plenty of fruits in it is a mute spectator to the developments as it has no takers for its fruits. Even the lone fruit bearing tree is on the lookout for children!
With signs of revival looking bleak, few questions remain unanswered at this stage.

Are there sufficient students in the vicinity to join the school for lower grades?

Is it due to the educational department’s apathy which failed to take corrective measures in the last five years, being fully aware of the declining trend in the student strength?

As the school is located in a remote area, does it fail to get fresh admissions due to stiff competition from other private schools which lure students assuring quality education?

If no action is taken in the next fortnight, this government school at Bhootakallu too may enter history books.