Introduction:
In a bid to prioritize the well-being of pre-primary students, the Maharashtra government is contemplating a significant shift in school timings, aiming to commence classes after 9 am. The proposed change, moving from the current 7 a.m. start, is designed to ensure children receive adequate rest and will be applicable to schools across all boards in the state. A committee of specialists has been convened to offer recommendations, with the decision anticipated to be implemented in the upcoming academic year.
Key Points:
- The Maharashtra government considers shifting school start times for students up to Class 2 to after 9 a.m.
- A committee of specialists has been appointed to provide recommendations for this proposed change.
- The focus is on ensuring children get sufficient sleep and are not compelled to go to bed early.
- The decision is expected to be made following the committee’s recommendations and implemented in the next academic year.
- Governor Ramesh Bais proposed the notion, urging the government to review school timings.
- A new pre-primary division in the education system includes nursery, junior kindergarten, senior kindergarten, Class 1, and Class 2.
- The goal is to alleviate the need for students to wake up excessively early and ensure they get adequate sleep.
- Governor Bais emphasized the evolving sleep routines of everyone, particularly children, and the need for change.
- The Haryana Directorate of Education has already changed school schedules, with single-shift schools operating from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and double-shift schools having two sessions.
Conclusion:
The proposed change reflects a broader acknowledgment of the evolving sleep patterns and well-being of students, with an emphasis on fostering an environment where learning is enjoyable with a balanced focus on academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.