Too many special days, complain schools

We keep getting circulars, asking us to observe some day or the other. In addition, schools are asked to submit reports and photographs of the celebrations. UDAY NARE, teacher

MUMBAI: Days after the education department directed schools to observe a year-long programme to mark 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019, schools across Maharashtra have expressed concerns over the growing number of symbolic diktats.

The department asked schools to organise events such as debates, seminars and exhibitions based on Gandhi’s life.

The recent circular was yet another addition to the long list of events the schools have been directed celebrate in the past few years.

While celebrating Independence Day, Republic Day and Maharashtra Day has been a part of the academic calendar, the new ones such as Yoga Day, Students’ Day and Vachan Prerna Divas are eating into academic timetable, said experts.

Schools in Maharashtra celebrate more than 50 such days in a year, which teachers said keeps them busy in non-academic work.

“We keep getting circulars, asking us to observe some day or the other. In addition, schools are asked to submit reports and photographs of the celebrations. This consumes a lot of teaching time,” said Uday Nare, teacher at Hansraj Morarji Public School, Andheri.

Prashant Redij, secretary, Mumbai Principals’ Association, said the state can plan these days at the beginning of the academic year.

“We get only 220 teaching days in a year. So it is better to have everything planned before the academic year begins in June. With circulars being issued throughout the year, we find it difficult to take out time from our daily activities,” he added.