Harsha Raj Gatty
StoryInfinity for Daijiworld

Mangaluru, Jun 25: To increase student number at this government primary school at Konjady, its headmaster Suresh Shetty has been depositing Rs 1,000 against the name of each student for the last two years. In the backdrop of the Karnataka government's move to shut-down 3,500 schools with low pupil ratio, the HM's effort has managed to achieve a breakthrough and increase the strength nearly thrice in the last couple of years.

Taking over as the HM in August 2016, 55-year-old Suresh Shetty has deposited a sum of Rs 26,000 against the names of 26 students (both existing and new admission). A veteran educator for the past 23 years, Suresh Shetty says this academic year, six more students will be awarded similar amount taking the total figure of beneficiaries to 32.

The parents and the students have a free hand over the one-time deposit financial stimulus. "Every year when the interest is accrued, we were able to convince the parents to re-invest the principal amount along with interest back in the FD (fixed deposit), so that they can save up for their children's future," he says.

At the little known government primary school at Konjady however, it was not the students but the parents who were sceptic of educating the children. "Upon joining I was told that the school has not seen an 'Annual Day' for the last 20 years. Parents were genuinely concerned about poor facilities, negligible extra-curricular activities compared to those offered by nearby private schools. In fact only six people turned up when we first called for parent-teachers' meet," he says.

It took a consistent month-long effort from Shetty to convince the parents to send their wards to schools; meanwhile Shetty got approval for an additional recruitment of a teaching faculty. "During April every year, we invited both parents and the locals for the parent-teacher meeting (PTM) and started awareness on the importance of education. We pinned hopes that even non-parents would spread the word or coax their friends and relatives to send their children to school," he says. In subsequent PTM meetings the attendance increased with highest being in October 2016 with 60 people.

Acknowledging Shetty's effort even locals and friends chipped in and started financially contributing for the unregistered student’s welfare scheme - for which the headmaster says he duly registers a log of receipts and bills. Funds raised by the locals were utilised to provide school bags, note books and transport arrangement for primary school children. "Till date, we have spent around Rs 34,870 for students' auto rickshaw fee. This is to ease the commute from remote areas," K Sanjeeva, a local sponsor and a member of the student welfare association said.

It was also the first time in over 20 years, Sanjeeva says he witnessed that the school was able to afford to organise an annual day with cultural programmes on December 31. The School Day event drew quite a good number of praises and envy from other neighbouring schools. "There were instances of children from local neighbouring school admitting themselves with us. We found ourselves in a dilemma as we did not want to hurt their interest," he says.

On being asked why he was unable to rely on the government funds for school to meet the development purposes of the school, Shetty says that the funds are purpose specific. "It is mandatory that the amount is spent only on the components defined by the government. We don't have a free hand over its utilisation. Therefore any miscellaneous expense we have to initiate on our own," he says.

Having served over 22 years at Nanjangud (Mysuru) and Goliangadi in the last two decades, Shetty says he quite understands the burden of parents from lower income groups (LIGs). "They might feel short of a helping hand now. But when their children are well-educated and are successful, they will definitely thank them for educating them and will also look after their parents during their old age," he says.

While in 2018, the primary school was anticipating the total strength to rise up to 40, the recent government guideline mandating the intake of students aged only 5.5 years old has hurt their interest. "As per the 2017 mandate we had considered children over 5.1 years of age, unfortunately their admission stands cancelled," Shetty says. However in June 2019, Shetty is optimist of recording the same number.

Meanwhile, Shetty hopes to raise a Rangamantapa at the school for cultural events. "A few donors have come and assured contribution for the stage. I have five more years of service. Hopefully we should be able to complete the same in the upcoming years," he says.