The All Kerala Self-Financing Schools Federation, a forum of recognised and unrecognised unaided schools, has proposed to cut down on the number of Onam and Christmas holidays to increase the number of working days in an academic year. The Education Department, however, warned of action against the move without policy approval from the government.
Ramadas Kathiroor, president of the federation, told reporters here on Thursday that because of public holidays, hartals, and strikes schools had been losing around 30 working days a year. Though the Kerala Education Rules mandated a minimum of 220 working days a year, schools were functioning only for around 190 days. “To bridge this gap, the federation is planning to cut down on Onam and Christmas holidays and to function on alternate Saturdays. Holidays observed in memory of eminent personalities too will be cancelled. We are planning to bring out a special academic calendar for the purpose,” Mr. Kathiroor said.
In 1,600 schools
He said these proposals would be implemented in 1,600 schools across the State which are members of the federation. “To mark the birth and death anniversaries of great personalities, we will organise special assemblies at schools and bring out leaflets,” Mr. Ramadas said.
Govt. stance
Additional Director of Public Instruction Jessy Joseph, however, said that schools would not be allowed to randomly change the holiday list. Even if they are unrecognised schools, the government can take action against them, she added. The State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights too could take action against such schools.
