Mangaluru: This academic year, as many as 25 state-run lower primary Kannada medium schools in Dakshina Kannada district have less than 10 students. A survey conducted by the education department reveals the sorry state of affairs in Kannada medium schools.

An official attached to the education department said, "We had a plan to merge such schools with nearby aided/unaided schools. But a circular received on Tuesday has directed us not to go ahead with the plan and allow such schools to function on its own."

"We will make necessary arrangements so that the students of these schools are not at the receiving end," said Walter H D'Mello, deputy director of public instructions, DK. "Since admissions are open till June end, we are hopeful that numbers will go up."

When asked what if same trend continues, he said dwindling numbers in lower primary schools is a common problem and because of this one cannot say that there are no takers for Kannada medium schools.

Last year, one school in Belthangady was shut down because there were no students.

Of the 25 schools, seven are situated in Sullia taluk, six in Bantwal, three each in Mangaluru South, Moodbidri, Mangaluru North and Belthangady respectively.

The district has about 225 lower primary schools. One school in Belthangady taluk has is temporary, DDPI Walter said..

"The school will resume if there are new admissions."