Maharashtra considers changing school timings to 9 am for pre-primary students

The Maharashtra government is thinking about changing school timings to 9 am for school children up to Class 2 from the next academic year, to help them get more sleep. A specialised committee, comprising paediatricians and educational experts, has been convened to provide recommendations on this crucial matter.

As per leading media reports, State Education Minister Ramesh Bai, in collaboration with State Governor Ramesh Bais, has drawn attention to the evolving sleep habits amongst children. Stressing the pivotal role of adequate sleep in a child's development, they advocate for a restructured school day that strikes a balance between ensuring ample rest for students and fostering a more comprehensive approach to education.

This approach aims to prioritise extracurricular activities over burdensome homework.

The state government's deliberations focus specifically on students within the pre-primary segment, covering nursery, junior KG, senior KG, Class 1, and Class 2. The proposed adjustment seeks to alleviate the need for early wake-up times, allowing students the necessary hours of sleep vital for their overall well-being.

ASSESSING THE VIABILITY OF TIMINGS ADJUSTMENTS

To facilitate this potential change, a dedicated committee, inclusive of paediatricians and educational specialists, has been tasked with evaluating the feasibility of rescheduling the pre-primary segment's timing. This move proposes a shift from the current 7 am start to a proposed 9 am commencement.

Governor Ramesh Bais supports changing school hours, so kids can sleep enough. He talked about how kids these days stay up late but still have to wake up early for school, which affects their sleep.

ANTICIPATED IMPLEMENTATION AND CONCLUSION

The final decision regarding the implementation of revised school timings will hinge upon the recommendations put forth by the committee. If approved, the new schedule is projected to take effect from the upcoming academic year, marking a significant step towards prioritising the holistic well-being of young students in Maharashtra.