As part of efforts to ensure 100% higher education enrolment of students who passed Class 12 from government schools, District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar on Wednesday visited the Coimbatore Cloth Merchants’ Association Government Girls Higher Secondary School, where he serves as the nodal officer.

The Collector contacted the students who had completed Class 12 but had not enrolled in any college or had failed the public examination. He spoke to one of the students over the phone, asked about her academic aspirations, and assured her of the district administration’s support in pursuing higher education.

The Collector told students and their parents that steps would be taken to help them join college. More than 50 students submitted requests to the Collector during the visit, seeking financial assistance to continue their studies.

The Collector told The Hindu that nodal officers had been appointed for each of the 116 government higher secondary schools in the district to identify students who have not applied for higher education. These officers have been tasked with determining the reasons for non-enrolment and connecting the students with the necessary support to facilitate college admissions.

“Students from vulnerable sections of society — including orphans, those with a single parent, and others in need — will be identified and assisted in pursuing higher education. Financial support is being extended to eligible students through collaboration with NGOs, corporates, and donors. We are currently in discussions, and around five to 10 donors and sponsors have already expressed interest,” he said.

He also added that educational loan camps will be conducted in the district to support students seeking financial assistance for higher studies.