ZP CEO K. R. Nandini presiding over a meeting on school reopening in Mandya on May 30, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
With the reopening of schools for the 2026-27 academic year fast approaching, district authorities in Mandya have intensified preparations to ensure schools are ready to welcome students.Reviewing the arrangements at a preparatory meeting in Mandya on May 30, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nandini K.R. directed officials to focus on infrastructure, sanitation, enrolment, nutrition and academic performance to ensure a smooth start to the new academic session.She reviewed preparations related to school cleanliness, building safety, maintenance of records, teacher responsibilities, student enrolment drives, distribution of textbooks and uniforms, mainstreaming of out-of-school children, and readiness of the Akshara Dasoha (mid-day meal) programme.Stressing accountability, Ms. Nandini instructed teachers to report to school on time and work diligently between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., while directing Field Education Officers to make mandatory entries in school registers during inspections.Highlighting the importance of student nutrition, she called for the development of school gardens to grow vegetables and leafy greens. She directed officials to ensure regular monitoring of toilets and sanitation facilities, adding that kitchen cleanliness and food quality would receive priority attention during inspections.Reviewing the SSLC examination results for 2025-26, the CEO asked taluks with lower pass percentages to adopt advance strategies to improve outcomes and submit ‘Micro Analysis Plans’ to the zilla panchayat.She instructed the Deputy Director of Public Instruction to ensure participation of private and aided school headmasters and hostel wardens in monthly review meetings. Officials of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) and Education Department were directed to organise a workshop and prepare an annual action plan by June 9.The meeting discussed digitisation of educational databases, effective implementation of the mid-day meal scheme, and measures to improve students’ health and learning outcomes.Reviewing school building repairs, Ms. Nandini directed officials of the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department (PRED) and Public Works Department (PWD) to assess infrastructure requirements taluk-wise, and complete necessary work at the earliest. Engineers were told to submit reports by June 3, while headmasters were instructed to be present during inspections, and provide details of infrastructure deficiencies.She directed DIET authorities to make Kalika Mitra learning resources available in both Kannada and English, and prepare child-friendly educational videos across subjects.Calling for improving enrolment, the CEO urged officials to intensify campaigns in government schools, facilitate the return of dropouts, build public confidence in government education, and create greater awareness about facilities available to students.Deputy Directors, engineers from PRED and PWD, Block Education Officers, DIET faculty members and other officials of the Education Department attended the meeting. Published - May 30, 2026 03:40 pm IST
