Maharashtra: Circular to keep schools open till Apr 30 withdrawn
A circular issued by an education body of the Maharashtra Government to keep all schools in the state open until April 30 for Classes 1 to 9 will be withdrawn, Minister Vinod Tawde said today. The circular was issued by the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training on the directives of the Centre, the School Education Minister said in the Legislative Council.
Summer vacations for schools to continue as per schedule
"The circular should have been issued before the start of the academic year rather than at the end of the year. However, it will be withdrawn now. The summer vacations for schools will continue (as per earlier schedule)," Tawde said. Depending upon the need, the government shall consider implementing it from the next academic year starting in June, he said.
Tawde also expressed displeasure over Kapil Patil bypassing him
Tawde said this after Kapil Patil (JD-U) raised the issue in the Upper House and argued that it was unjust for schools to be open till April 30 for students who are exhausted after their annual exams. Moreover, the teachers, too, have to assess the answer sheets, he said. Tawde expressed displeasure over Patil bypassing him and approaching CM Fadnavis for even "small" issues.
False campaign of government-run schools closing down was held
The minister also said that a false campaign was launched on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp over assimilation of surplus teachers in schools from those having a low enrolment of students. "Jokes making fun of the government's decision were posted by some people," he said. A false campaign was launched that the government was closing down schools run by it, he said.
Tawde speaks on the decision to assimilate surplus teachers
"The government took the decision to assimilate surplus teachers to other nearby schools following directives of the Union Human Resources Development (HRD) ministry, stating that if there are less than 10 students in a classroom in a school they should be assimilated in nearby schools."
Ensuring children of migrant laborers are not deprived of education
On the directive asking teachers to take selfies with children who weren't going to school, Tawde said the decision was taken to ensure children of migrant laborers weren't deprived of education. "If their parents migrate for work elsewhere, then education officer of that area can be alerted and the child can be brought to a school there to continue with his/her education," he added.
