The Education Department has launched a series of initiatives to ensure that the enrolment numbers cross last year's figure. Sources in the department claimed that the situation was almost the same across the state, prompting higher authorities to raise the issue at a meeting in Chandigarh on Thursday. District Education Officers (DEOs) and District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) have been directed to focus on enrolment drives.

Teachers have been deployed to reach out to parents, highlighting the achievements of government schools and the facilities being offered. They are also motivating parents to enroll their wards, stressing the benefits of quality education at minimal cost, said Karnal DEO Rohtas Verma.

Officials remain optimistic that enrolment will pick up once the results of Class X are declared. Provisional admissions are already being given, and the authorities believe that within a month, the numbers will surpass last year's tally. They also point out that many parents are occupied with harvesting, which has delayed admission.

A teacher said government schools were not only providing free textbooks, uniforms, and midday meals, but were also focusing on holistic development through sports and cultural activities. But he expressed concern that under the Chirag Scheme and the Right to Education Act, education was provided by private schools and the expenditure was borne by the government. "Under the Chirag Scheme, only government school students can take admission to private schools. Under such circumstances, how can teachers increase enrolment in government schools?" he said.