The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has issued a directive to all schools in the state to stop cutting into the students' summer vacation.
According to the commission, holding classes during summer vacations is in violation of Kerala Education Rules 1959, which states that:
“All schools shall be closed for the Summer Vacation every year on the last working day of March and reopened on the first working day of June, unless otherwise notified by the Director”.
All schools in the state are entitled to grant 50 days of summer vacation to their students.
Observing that conducting extra classes during vacation was a violation of the rights of the children, the Commission has asked the state secretary of General Education and Director of Public Instruction to issue orders to all schools across boards on this regard.
The commission's directive dated April 22 comes in the wake of several complaints from parents, who pointed out that children ought to enjoy their two months of summer vacation without any interruptions.
The complainants also pointed out that holding classes in the name of improving academic performance while the temperature is soaring, was putting mental and physical pressure on children. Some parents have also expressed concern over many schools lacking proper arrangements to deal with the heat, including providing enough drinking water to the students.
Not only were the classes snatching away time from the students that otherwise could be utilized for extra curricular activities like swimming or learning music, but was also preventing NRI parents from being with their children, a complainant pointed out.
The Commission's order noted that many schools conducting summer classes hadn't complied to its order issued in February to make arrangements including providing drinking water.
The Commission has asked the secretary of General Education to stop all such classes and issue instructions to all schools across all boards.
Secretary of General Education Dr Usha Titus told The News Minute that orders have already been issued to all schools.
"Government schools have not been conducting classes during summer vacations, but there are many CBSE and unaided schools that do so. We have given strict instructions to all the schools to immediately stop the classes. However, short summer camps for a few hours can be held," Dr Usha said.