Kerala bans midday summer classes; Child Rights Commission orders strict 10.30 am cut-off

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Child Rights Commission has issued an order demanding strict compliance with government and court directives that prohibit or restrict summer classes in schools and tuition centres across the state. Commission Chairperson K V Manoj Kumar and member Dr F Wilson instructed authorities to take action against violating institutions and submit a report within 15 days.

The Commission directed the Director of General Education, CBSE Regional Officer, ICSE Chairman, Director of Local Self-Government Department and the State Police Chief to ensure enforcement. The move follows a petition filed by Dr Jithin, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram.

The Commission observed that the current schedule for the General Education Department's ‘Learning Support’ classes contradicts previous government and court orders. While these classes for standards 5 to 9 were scheduled from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, the Commission directed that they must conclude by 10.30 am.

Furthermore, as per High Court rulings, CBSE, ICSE and Kendriya Vidyalayas must restrict their classes to the 7.30 am to 10.30 am window. Tuition centres are also required to operate only between 7.30 am and 10.30 am. The police and education department officials have been tasked with ensuring compliance. This order applies to all levels, from primary to higher secondary.