Karnataka: Use social media to increase enrollment, say government colleges

Bengaluru: Use social networking sites, like Facebook and WhatsApp, make phone calls, distribute pamphlets, use local cable channels to advertise and disseminate news related to achievements of students, hold communicative English classes for students. These are some of the suggestions made by the state Pre-University Education Department in a circular sent out to principals of all government-run colleges to increase enrollment.

Over the last few years, government-run schools and colleges have been suffering because of poor enrollment. This year, however, the department wants lecturers and principals to be proactive and attract students to their institutes through brand building exercises.

The department has asked the principals to make their college faculty meet parents of students who have cleared SSLC in their areas and convince them to send their children to government colleges.

The lecturers can spend up to Rs 1,000 on using social media to encourage students. Department officials said that compared to private institutions, government PU colleges have better and more talented faculty. Also, the fee structure is very low and is almost negligible for girl students. "Government PU colleges have a lot of facilities, like free coaching classes during holidays. Communicative English classes are conducted to ensure that these students do not face problems in the future. Still, private colleges have become the first choice of students. The circular has been sent out to reverse this trend and to ensure better enrolment at government colleges," an officer said.

PU results not likely tomorrow
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanvir Sait had announced that the II PUC final exam results will be announced on Wednesday, but it may be delayed by a day or two. Officials said that processing of marks is on and the date for results will be finalised only on Tuesday.