Gadag: A govt higher primary school in Kochalpaur village near Naregal has turned its fortunes around, thanks to a unique initiative by its teachers. By contributing from their own pockets and depositing Rs 1,000 in the name of every new student, the teachers have helped boost enrolment over the past two years.The initiative began after the school recorded zero admissions. Teachers decided to issue an Rs 1,000 fixed deposit bond in the name of a student seeking admission to Class 1. Launched last year, the idea soon gained traction across north Karnataka. This year alone, the school admitted 14 new students. What started as a small effort attracted parents, prompting several other schools in Gadag district to adopt similar incentive schemes.Vijayakumar DR, a teacher at the school, told TOI that the idea was born in 2023-24 when the school had no admissions and faced the threat of closure, with students likely to be shifted elsewhere. Most parents preferred private schools in nearby towns, while the government school itself lacked basic facilities and maintenance.“We visited every house in the village and raised funds. We collected around Rs 60,000, added our own contribution, and used the money to repair and paint the school and improve facilities. We installed CCTV cameras, upgraded toilets and painted the campus with inspiring messages. However, admissions remained low, leading us to introduce the Rs 1,000 deposit scheme,” he said.The move paid off. The school received seven new admissions in 2025 and 14 this year, including four students in Class 1. “Many parents are now keen to enrol their children here,” Vijayakumar added.The teachers have also worked to bring the school on par with private institutions by setting up science and language labs. NGOs have donated a smart TV and solar facilities. Recently, the school organised an Akshara Abhyasa programme to distribute FD bonds and honour parents supporting govt schools. Student strength has now risen to 44.Teachers Sarvamangala Kotrashetty, VA Kumbar and Anita Dyampur said they are planning to establish a computer lab and are seeking support from donors and NGOs, besides acquiring sports equipment. They added that their deposit model has now been adopted by 8-10 schools in Gadag district and is gaining popularity across the state.Appreciating the effort, additional commissioner of the school education department Ishwar Ullagaddi said the initiative by teachers in a small village to save a govt school deserved praise. He commended the staff for creating facilities comparable to private schools and described the Rs 1,000 deposit scheme as an inspiring model that should be replicated across Karnataka.
