The fate of the UT Education department’s ambitious project, Suryoday, which aimed at discouraging the trend of tuitions, seems to be undecided due to lack of awareness and interest among students.

While the department is still hopeful of the project being a success, the lukewarm response shown by students speaks otherwise.

Suryoday was developed keeping an eye on the increasing number of Class XII students opting for tuitions for competitive examinations. The department had decided to offer coaching for engineering and medical entrance tests after school hours at a nominal fee with a special focus on non-model students.

Though officials say they have received a lot of queries from students as well as parents, the version of schools version belies the claims.

“There is no official word from the department. We read about Suryoday in newspapers. Students too are not aware of coaching being given in schools. Such projects can be successful only if students are informed and kept in the loop,” said a principal.

Others say that though students know about these classes, they are not keen enough. “We informed the students to avail the opportunity but not many have come forward. It is difficult to convince them about the quality of education they would get here. Most of them would still prefer a professional centre,” said a teacher at a non-model school.

Owing to the lack of genuine interest, the classes that were to be started by this month have been put on hold for the time being. “Though it is a good initiative but more than the fee part, students are concerned about the faculty. Parents too would prefer to send their children to the private coaching centres even if it is an expensive proposition. The department should try to rope in experts and schools must be made aware of the scheme,” said Vinod Sharma, president, Government Teachers’ Union.

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