Members of Jactto-Geo have opposed the order issued by Chief Education Officer R. Murugan advising government schools to hold additional classes after school hours.
In an order issued on Monday to all government, corporation, government-aided and Adi Dravidar Welfare schools, the CEO said that special classes must be held for all students studying in Classes X, XI and XII from 8.30 a.m. to 9.15 a.m. and tests must be held from 4.30 p.m. to 5.20 p.m. on all working days. The order asked the headmasters of the schools to prepare a timetable for every subject for these extra hours.
T. Arulanandam, a Jactto-Geo member, said that this step might lead to more students skipping breakfast. “The students will be made to stay at school for nearly eight hours,” he said.
The order also instructed schools to engage teachers to monitor children studying in Classes VI to IX from 8.30 a.m. and to offer training for those who lag behind in reading and writing skills.
When contacted, Mr. Murugan said that this was a regular step to enhance the performance of Coimbatore district in Class X and Class XII examinations.
