The District Collector of Gadwal, B. M. Santosh, spoke about the importance of regular attendance for students during the inauguration of the Badi Bata program at a new government primary school. He mentioned that having over 90 percent attendance is crucial for academic success and highlighted that low student attendance was a contributing factor to the district’s poor ranking in last year’s 10th class results. The Badi Bata program aims to improve public schools and promote consistent attendance.
B.M. Santosh explained that the district’s low performance in the 10th class results was mainly due to low student attendance. He encouraged parents to consider enrolling their children in government schools, emphasizing the benefits such as free uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, and mid-day meals. The Collector also noted that many government school students have gone on to secure jobs and excel in various fields. Additionally, Amma Adarsh Committees have been established in schools to ensure students receive necessary facilities.
To ensure students receive their uniforms promptly, women’s self-help groups have been involved in stitching the uniforms. This initiative not only benefits the students but also provides economic opportunities for the women’s groups. B.M. Santosh stressed the importance of holding weekly parent meetings to inform them about government school facilities and to seek their cooperation in encouraging regular school attendance. He reminded parents that it is mandatory for all children under 14 to be educated and illegal to make them work instead.
The District Collector reiterated the legal implications of making children work and emphasized that a good education is essential for a bright future. During the event, uniforms and textbooks were distributed to students, and pamphlets related to the Badibata program were released by Education Department officials. The school management honored the Collector, and teachers requested the construction of a kitchen and protective wall for the new school building. Attendees included District Education Officer Indira, SGF District Secretary Jitender, MEO Suresh, Sectoral Officer Hampayya, Amma Adarsha school committee chairperson Dhana Lakshmi, and school teachers.
