Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will address a Mega Parent Teacher Meeting (Mega PTM) which will be held simultaneously in all government schools across the State and have a direct interaction with the students and parents through video conference on June 1, when government schools reopen, said School Education Minister S. Madhu Bangarappa.

“The Chief Minister will welcome the students to the schools on June 1. All schools should organise school opening ceremonies like a festival,” he said, addressing principals, teachers and top officials of the department through a video conference on Saturday.

Mr. Siddaramaiah will also lay the foundation stone for the construction of a new building of a Karnataka Public School (KPS) in Shivamogga, the Minister said, adding that it was everyone’s responsibility to provide clear information to the public and parents about the purpose, quality and facilities available at KPS schools.

The Minister also said the first priority should be to increase the enrollment of students in government schools to the maximum level. Students who have failed should be identified, made aware and brought back to school, he said.

Mr. Bangarappa instructed that the midday meal scheme has to be implemented effectively from day one and all necessary materials, including textbooks and uniforms, should be distributed to the students in a timely manner at the beginning of the school year. Officials should visit schools regularly to ensure quality teaching and teacher attendance, he directed.

The Minister also lauded the efforts of teachers and officials for the historic results recorded in the recent SSLC and II PU examinations. He said the department’s 29-point circular, including question banks, preparatory exams with question papers prepared at the State level, contributed to this achievement.