In a significant departure from tradition, the Kerala Department of General Education has announced that schools in the state will no longer observe holidays on Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26). Instead, these days will be used for educational activities aimed at providing students with a deeper understanding of the historical events that led to India’s independence, rather than merely celebrating with flag hoisting, sweet distribution, and early dismissals.
The department also plans to implement this change on other national observances such as Gandhi Jayanti. By incorporating these days into the academic calendar, officials aim to ensure that students engage in meaningful learning rather than interrupting the regular teaching schedule. The initiative also seeks to mitigate the loss of instructional days throughout the school year.
Objective Behind the New Approach
This shift follows a recommendation by the Khader Committee, which suggested using national holidays for educational purposes instead of offering students a break. According to the new guidelines, students in classes I to V will now be required to complete 200 working days with 800 study hours, while those in classes VI to VIII must fulfill 220 working days with 1,000 study hours. These requirements align with the Right to Education Act, which mandates such norms for students up to Class VIII.
Challenges in Meeting Required Working Days
While achieving 200 working days for lower primary classes is generally feasible, meeting the 220 working days for upper primary and high school students remains a challenge. Currently, schools in Kerala average around 195 working days, falling short of the required number.
Proposal to Utilize Saturdays for Additional Study Time
To address this gap, the state government has formed a committee to explore potential solutions. One proposed measure involves using Saturdays for academic purposes, rather than extending the school week to six consecutive working days. This adjustment could potentially add seven extra study days in the upcoming academic year.
This change in policy reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality while adhering to legal requirements. By repurposing national holidays for academic enrichment, Kerala aims to provide students with a more thorough and meaningful education.
