Government primary schools in the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi are facing a critical situation where no students have enrolled for Class I (first grade) in the current academic year. As of June 30, the Directorate of Public Instruction has confirmed that 55 government primary schools in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have received zero applications for first-grade admissions. While some students have enrolled in other schools where classes have already started, the continued trend of zero admissions may lead to the closure of these primary schools in the future.

Dakshina Kannada has recorded zero admissions for Class I in 24 schools, including two schools in Puttur taluk, four in Bantwal, three in Belthangady, two in Mangaluru North, two in Mangaluru South, three in Moodbidri, and eight schools in Sullia taluk. R Dayanand, the Deputy Director of Public Instruction in Dakshina Kannada, remains optimistic, stating that there is still time for admissions and children are likely to join the first-grade class. The process of accumulating grade-wise data is currently underway.

In Udupi district, 31 schools have also reported zero admissions for Class I. This includes four schools in Udupi, four in Brahmavar, five in Kundapura, nine in Byndoor, and nine schools in Karkala taluk. Udupi DDPI B Ganapati emphasizes the conducive learning environment in government schools and calls for parental awareness. He urges everyone to take the initiative to send their children to schools in their respective villages and preserve these institutions.

Experts in the field attribute the lack of admissions to parents' reluctance in sending their children to government schools due to the prevalence of English medium schools in almost all localities. They note that English medium schools provide the convenience of bus services, which attract parents.