In a move that will cheer students of city schools — who are spending summer holidays in either remedial classes or preparatory sessions for the next grade — the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed the Department of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure that schools don’t run classes in April and May.
The formal order, which the commission will issue to the Department of Public Instruction on Thursday, will apply to all schools, including those affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
While some schools are conducting special classes for students appearing for the board exams in 2018, others are holding remedial classes. A parent had written to the commission saying it was difficult for children to go to schools in peak summer. “Kids need some rest after going through the heavyweight syllabus throughout the year,” he said.
Kripa Alva, Chairperson of the commission, said several schools, mostly private ones, were conducting these classes in violation of Article 31 of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that a child has the right to rest and leisure, and also to engage in play and recreational activities. The department will be asked to furnish an action taken report, she said.
