Will school hours be extended or Saturday made a working day? Government works to meet court mandate

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is exploring options to increase school hours or make Saturdays a working day to ensure that the academic year meets the mandated 220 working days. This decision comes in response to a High Court case, and if no action is taken within the next two months, the government could face contempt of court.

The initial move to make Saturdays a working day earlier this academic year sparked significant controversy. This decision was based on a High Court ruling in a case filed by a school manager. However, the government withdrew the plan after teachers’ organisations strongly opposed it.

To address the situation, an expert committee was appointed as per the High Court’s directions. The committee will hold discussions with teachers' organisations on Monday. Government sources indicated that a report will be prepared following these consultations.

Legal provisions

According to the Kerala Education Act, the state mandates 220 study days in the academic year. However, the Right to Education Act specifies that classes for grades 1 to 5 should have 200 working days, while classes 6 to 8 require 220 days.

In higher secondary education, 1200 teaching hours or 220 working days are required, with class hours typically running from 9 am to 4:45 pm.

Possible solutions under consideration

On average, around 30 working days are lost each year due to fairs and festivals. One potential solution is to organise fairs on Saturdays to reduce these losses. Additionally, schools, except for lower primary schools, may increase class hours, either by extending morning sessions by half an hour or adding a quarter of an hour in the evening. Another option being considered is to make Saturdays a regular working day.