Mangaluru: To bolster educational outcomes, the Karnataka govt has announced the expansion of the Marusinchana scheme to 27 educational districts, targeting students from classes VI to X who are lagging in their studies.This initiative, set to benefit approximately 18,000 students in govt schools, aims to address learning gaps and improve academic performance. It started as a pilot project, mainly aiming to improve SSLC results. In the academic years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, the scheme targeted all Kannada medium govt high schools and composite colleges across 69 taluks in 17 districts of Karnataka. In the 2024-25 academic year, it was implemented in 8,821 schools. It showed promising results. Encouraged by its success, the state govt decided to extend the programme to more districts, with implementation slated to begin after the Dasara holidays.However, educational districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and a few more districts, which have done exceptionally well in the SSLC examination in the last few years, will not be part of the scheme. It is a 50-hour learning programme per class over five academic years, aiming to strengthen foundational and prerequisite skills. It bridges learning gaps and enables students from classes VI to X to achieve class-appropriate learning levels. The state govt will also provide Marusinchana study books to the selected districts.A circular on the scheme expanding to more educational districts was issued on Tuesday. The department of school education and literacy, in its circular, stated the scheme will be executed through the department of state educational research and training (DSERT) this year. Teachers will receive specialised training, and students will be provided with practice books in subjects including mathematics, science, social science, Kannada, and English. The programme excludes Hindi and focuses on enhancing foundational skills through a 50-hour learning module per class over five academic years. Partner organisations such as People for Action and JPAL are involved, offering technical support and guidance. The programme aims to improve the learning levels of schoolchildren who are behind through remedial teaching within the academic year. Special training will be provided to teachers, and students will receive practice books while teachers will be given modules.
