Hyderabad: In a direct pushback against the growing influence of private schools, the Telangana govt has launched an aggressive, all-out campaign to bring students back into its classrooms.As schools across the state set to reopen on June 12, teachers, district collectors, and even elected representatives are hitting the ground to enrol students, reclaim dropouts, and restore public confidence in govt education.The statewide enrolment campaign — ‘Badi Baata’ — kicked off on June 6 and will continue through June 19, extending beyond the reopening date. Several district collectors are also actively participating.Across districts, govt school teachers have been assigned to conduct door-to-door outreach under the ongoing Badi Baata programme, highlighting the benefits of free education. Their efforts are aimed at countering a parallel surge by private school managements, who are also racing to maximise admissions, officials said.Adding weight to the campaign, elected representatives are also stepping in to amplify the message. Wardhannapet MLA KR Nagaraj, a former IPS officer, has been proactively promoting the state-run education system. At a wedding ceremony at Nallakunta thanda in Parvathigiri recently, the MLA, after blessing the couple, urged the newlyweds and other attendees to enrol their children in govt schools. Teams accompanying him carried banners advocating for public education.To highlight the improving standards in government institutions, district administrations have begun felicitating top-performing SSC students. In Nirmal district alone, 1,460 fresh admissions have already been recorded, reflecting growing confidence in the public education system.In Nagarkurnool, collector Badavath Santhosh joined teachers for house-to-house visits in Telkapalli mandal on Tuesday, urging families to send their children back to school and identifying dropouts who can be re-integrated.With the combined push from officials, educators, and political leaders, the govt hopes to reverse enrolment trends and reinforce trust in public education, official sources said.
