Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 14: Kannada medium schools in Dakshina Kannada (DK) are witnessing dwindling enrolments, even as Kannada-English bilingual schools continue to gain popularity across the district. Currently, there are 123 bilingual schools functioning across various taluks, with growing demand from parents seeking English-integrated education for their children.
Education department officials revealed that most Kannada medium schools operating on the same campuses as bilingual schools are now recording only single-digit enrolments in class 1. The shift in preference reflects a larger trend of parents opting for English-inclusive education, even if the schools are not fully English medium.
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H R Eshwara, block education officer (BEO), South, explained that many parents mistakenly assume bilingual schools are purely English medium. “We see more and more parents pressuring schools to admit their children into bilingual sections. However, teachers sometimes advise parents to consider the Kannada medium if they feel the child would benefit more from it, especially through programmes like Nali-Kali,” he said.
Nali-Kali is a three-year programme focused on early learning in Kannada, basic numeracy, and environmental science. Teachers use this as a tool to build foundational academic skills before students transition to more complex subjects.
Despite these efforts, the preference for English is leading to overcrowding in bilingual schools, while Kannada medium sections are becoming increasingly unsustainable. “If this trend continues, the Kannada medium sections on bilingual campuses may have to be shut down due to lack of enrolment. We can’t compel parents to opt for Kannada medium, and teachers have limited options,” a BEO remarked.
Interestingly, while local families favour bilingual education, many migrant parents from North Karnataka continue to choose Kannada medium schools, reinforcing the varied preferences within different communities.
Since the first 48 bilingual schools were approved in 2019–20, the number has grown to 123, with three more sanctioned this academic year. These schools have a total enrolment of approximately 3,000 students.
Education officials say the situation presents a significant challenge in balancing the preservation of Kannada language education with the rising demand for English proficiency.