Telangana schools to launch ‘Badi Bata’ to welcome new academic year with increased enrolments

Hyderabad: In a bid to boost student enrolment in government schools, the Telangana State School Education Department has announced a statewide campaign, ‘Acharya Jayashankar Badi Bata’, to be held from June 6 to 19.

The initiative will focus on mobilising community participation, identifying out-of-school children and preparing schools for the new academic year.

Schools told to finish repairs by May 31

Director of School Education Narasimha Reddy has issued detailed guidelines and a schedule for the campaign. He instructed officials to complete all school repairs by May 31 and ensure that schools are decorated and ready to welcome students in a festive atmosphere when classes resume on June 12.

The campaign will involve local public representatives, parents and community members. Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are also to be organised to encourage greater parental involvement.

Here’s a list of key dates and activities regarding Badi Bata:

June 6: A grand gram sabha (village meeting) will be organised with the participation of public representatives and parents.

June 7: Teachers will conduct door-to-door visits to identify and enrol out-of-school children.

June 8-10: Intensive awareness campaigns through pamphlet distribution and Anganwadi centre visits. Dropout and special needs children will be identified and enrolled in nearby schools or Bhavita centres.

June 11: Review of activities conducted during the first phase of the campaign.

June 12: Formal reopening of schools. Inauguration of school improvement works under the Amma Adarsha School Committees. Distribution of textbooks, notebooks, and uniforms to students.

June 13: Conduct of Aksharabhyasam (introductory literacy ritual) and Bala Sabha (children’s gathering) in the presence of parents and community leaders.

June 16: Observance of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) and Learning Improvement Program (LIP) Day with quizzes, classroom decorations, and student-led displays.

June 17: Celebration of Integrated Education and Girl Child Education Day. Students will take pledges against child marriage and harassment.

June 18: Parents and locals will be invited to witness digital classrooms and modern facilities. Students will be sensitised about the importance of plant care.

June 19: The campaign will conclude with sports competitions for students.

The Education Department emphasised that the drive is aimed not only to improve enrolment but also to strengthen the school-community relationship and promote inclusive and quality education across the State.