MYSURU: Primary and secondary education minister N Mahesh visited the city’s iconic Maharaja’s High School here on Monday morning and inspected the institution for over three hours.He held discussions with students about the problems they are facing at the school. The minister also attended some classes and held discussions with teachers on reasons for poor enrolment. He directed the authorities of the department of public instruction (DPI) to finalize an action plan to improve the school admission ratio in the coming years.Mahesh, accompanied by DDPI Mamata and senior officers of the department, visited the school between 9.30am and 12.45pm. One of the major issues discussed was the dwindling number of enrolment in the school, and the reasons behind it.Mahesh said that two decades ago, the school’s student strength was 700-800, while it has come down to 120-130 now. “This is a major cause for concern. The schoolteachers must ensure more admissions. Else, who will they hold classes for?” he asked.Mahesh pointed out that every year, around 4,000 students join high schools from 22 government higher primary schools in the city. Among them, 60% join private high schools. The rest join nearby government high schools. “This has resulted in the drop in admissions at Maharaja’s High School. Schoolteachers here must try and bring at least 500 students coming out of primary schools,” he advised.The school has necessary facilities, including the smart class. The quality of education imparted here is good. The onus is on teachers to meet parents and teachers at primary schools and explain them about this iconic school, he said.Vehicle facilityDPI officers explained to the minister the various challenges faced by government high schools while attracting students. Many students prefer schools in their neighbourhood as it pre-empts the need for transport, they said.The minister said he will discuss the issue with senior authorities in Bengaluru, and find how vehicle facilities can be provided to students to reach government schools.The minister also advised the officers to ensure better facilities to students to make government schools the preferred choice. “We need to ensure quality teaching, and by this, we can make students naturally join government schools,” he said.

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