Madikeri: Kodagu district, which secured the third position in the state II PUC examination results, has witnessed a rise in student enrolment in government PU colleges this year. However, the failure to distribute textbooks is causing significant inconvenience to students.
Rising Enrolment in Government Colleges
Ganapathi, the Deputy Director of Pre-University Education (DDPU), stated that admissions across government and government-aided colleges in the district have increased this year, with a higher number of students opting for government institutions. Last year, 1,392 students enrolled in government PU colleges in the district, and this number is expected to reach 1,500 this year. Additionally, around 1,300 students joined government-aided colleges last year. Lessons for I PU and II PU commenced on May 25.
Textbook Distribution Delays
Teaching in government and aided colleges in the district is being hampered because textbooks have not been distributed. Principals from two government colleges in the district, who requested anonymity, reported that students are facing difficulties due to the lack of textbooks. “The classes have begun from May 25. At several private colleges, students are writing their first internal examination. However, classes in government colleges are being stalled as students do not have textbooks,” said the principal of a government-aided college in the district. He added that textbooks for students in government and government-aided colleges are supposed to be provided free of cost, but the books have not been received.
Official Response on Delay
When asked about the delay, the DDPU explained that only 20% of the textbooks have reached the three taluks in the district. He said three publishers are responsible for supplying textbooks, but only one publisher has completed delivery to the district. It may take around a month for the distribution of textbooks, he stated, while asserting that classes are ongoing and the delay has not affected the academic calendar.
