Kendriya Vidyalayas set to switch to 5-day week for primary classes

All Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country are likely to switch to a five-day week for primary classes (up to Class 5) from the new academic session.

The proposal for a five-day week to “give space for students to pursue self-learning as per their aptitude and interest” is set to be taken up by the Board of Governors of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan on Tuesday. Officials said the board was likely to clear the move. However, a proposal to cut the working hours of KV teachers was unlikely to be passed, said sources.

HRD Minister Pallam Raju chairs the board, while Minister of State Jitin Prasada is a member. The proposal to switch to a five-day schedule is in keeping with the Right to Education Act. The proposal was first mooted by the KVs in 2012, but was rejected.

“There should be no objection to a five-day week for primary students as the KVs will still be able to meet the 200 school days requirement mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The schools will also be able to meet the stipulated minimum teaching hours requirement under the Act. So there is little argument to subject the younger children to an extra day at school,” said an official.

The KVs have increased working hours for teachers from 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes, as stipulated under the RTE Act. Teachers have opposed the decision.

Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kendriya-vidyalayas-set-to-switch-to-5-day-week-for-primary-classes/