Mysuru preschools reopen to low attendance, enrolment

MYSURU: Although the government has permitted private schools to restart pre KG, LKG, and UKG classes since last Monday, enrolment and attendance are low in many institutions.
According to school heads, enrolment is poor as parents are not ready to take any risks. However, in government-run anganwadi centres, attendance is good.
Only 50% of the students are attending classes in many institutions. Standalone centres where only pre KG, LKG and UKG classes are offered are the worst hit as the admissions are few and parents are reluctant to pay a huge sum as fee.
Girish Baga, director of a preschool, confirmed that the response is lukewarm. According to Baga, schools with classes up to 10 are witnessing high admissions. “People are not ready to take any risks over continuity of classes. So, standalone schools are affected the most,” he said.
According to school heads, around 70% of the enrolled students are now attending physical classes. The number is expected to go up further in December, they say. “Admissions and attendance are good in our schools. A few parents are still waiting for more clarity. They are expected to send their kids after December,” said Santosh Kumar, Mysuru district representative of Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS).
Meanwhile, anganwadi centres continue to see good turnout. Basavaraju, deputy director of women and development department, Mysuru, said: “Presently, anganwadis are open between 10am and noon. Parents are bringing their kids to the centres.”