The Maharashtra government intends to allow schools to commence classes up to Grade 2 at 9 a.m. A committee of experts has been assigned to provide recommendations on this matter. The state believes that children need sufficient sleep and should not be forced to go to bed early.
The Minister of State for School Education, Deepak Kesarkar said that the government will make a decision once it receives the committee’s report, and the decision will come into effect in the upcoming academic year.
The government took this initiative based on Governor Ramesh Bais’s recommendation to alter school timings.
Kesarkar declared on Tuesday that a new segment is coming in the education system, involving nursery, junior KG, Class 1 and Class 2. It will focus on students won’t getting up excessively early for schools, and are getting enough sleep. To address this, they have appointed a committee of expert pediatricians who will advise them on necessary measures.
The State Governor during a gathering on December 5, addressed that the sleep patterns of everyone, including children, have changed in recent times. While staying awake till midnight, children have to rise early for school which results in inadequate sleep. In this context, the state government must adjust school timings.
Kesarkar expressed that while the state government agrees with his perspective, decisions cannot be made hastily.
He also said that if the school timings shift from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., children would have the opportunity to have adequate sleep. This decision will be implemented across schools of all boards from the upcoming academic year.
