After a gap of more than two years that was brought about by the COVID-19 lockdown, government and private schools in Tamil Nadu are gearing up to commence new admissions on Vijayadasami day on Wednesday.

According to Hindu custom, Vijayadasami is the most auspicious day for education across India. On this special occasion, parents evince interest to send their kids to school to start their education on a blessed note.

A senior official from the State School Education Department said that the headmasters and managements of government and aided schools were directed to put out admission notification on the notice board to create awareness among parents, so that the enrolment numbers could be increased during this Vijayadasami.

As part of this, admissions to kindergarten and Class I in government and aided schools will open on Wednesday. Officials and school management said they were expecting good response from parents this time around.

Apart from this, the State government has also planned to organise enrolment camps in government schools, the official said, adding that some schools will welcome parents who come to admit their children with flowers.

In 2019, more than 3,000 students were admitted to government schools in LKG and UKG classes alone. This year, this number is expected to increase to more than 5,000 new admissions on Vijayadasami, the official added.

As an added attraction, the authorities have instructed school officials to ensure that all free welfare schemes extended by the State government, including free uniforms, books, bags and shoes, were immediately available for the children who join on Vijayadasami day. In addition, the government is also planning to give special educational kits to students, the official said.

Meanwhile, not to be left behind, private schools across the State have already announced ‘attractive offers’ that would appeal parents to enrol their children at their institutions on Vijayadasami. The offers include providing textbooks and notebooks free of cost to students who get enrolled on the day.

KR Nandhakumar, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Private Nursery, Primary, Matriculation, Higher Secondary and CBSE Schools’ Association, said many private schools have extended several schemes like offering free abacus training for students who join on Vijayadashami.

He said some private schools would also give some discount on fees. This year, even playschools are also accepting new admissions with special offers on the occasion.