Maharashtra govt says schools that have completed syllabus need not be open till April 30

PUNE: The Maharashtra education department on Tuesday issued a clarification over its recent circular about Classes 1 to 9 of all schools having to function full day till April 30 to tide over time losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It said schools that have completed the syllabus for the year need not remain open till April 30.

A top official from the education department also clarified that summer vacations have not been cancelled. "Schools which are yet to finish the syllabus can operate for the whole day including Sunday. Schools that have completed the syllabus need not function till April end," said Education department commissioner Suraj Mandhare.

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Earlier, the Maharashtra education department had stated that schools for Classes 1 to nine and 11 of the state board will function 'full day' till April 30 to compensate for the academic loss caused to students due to COVID-19, a decision that will affect the summer vacation schedule of students.

Generally, annual exams of Classes 1 to 9 get over by April 15 and vacation starts thereafter. The GR issued by IM Kazi, joint secretary, Maharashtra government, has directed schools to function full day on Saturdays instead of half-day and voluntarily on Sundays. It also stated that exams of Classes 1 to 9 and 11 should be taken in the third week of April and results declared by May.

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Harishchandra Gaikwad, president of the Pune District Principals' Association, said the government should have issued this GR by February-end. Schools have already completed preparations for conducting exams and released a timetable, he said, adding that many parents have planned their summer vacations accordingly.