Summer break in schools starts early, to end June 9

Several private schools, however, said the reschedule would disrupt the teaching-learning process.

The Delhi government on Monday ordered all public and private schools in the national capital to begin their summer vacation three weeks earlier than planned, given the unprecedented rise in Covid-19 cases. All schools will shut for the summer from April 20 to June 9. The direction, however, has not gone down well with several private schools.

The order came on a day when chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a week-long curfew in Delhi to tackle the spread of Covid-19. (HT Archive)

The order came on a day when chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a week-long curfew in Delhi to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

Heads of schools have been asked to share the information among stakeholders. During the break, schools will be allowed to call in vacation staff as per the work requirement.

Several private schools, however, said the reschedule would disrupt the teaching-learning process.

Covid helpline numbers (Hindustan Times)

Terming the order “wrong”, SK Bhattacharya, president of Action Committee of Unaided Recognised Schools, said, “The existing rules suggest that the education department cannot decide on the dates of summer vacation of private schools. Schools have the liberty to do that. We will have a discussion among ourselves on whether we will accept the notification or challenge it.”

Tania Joshi, principal of The Indian School, said, “Private schools have had the autonomy to declare vacations as per their schedule. Earlier, the department issued guidelines and advisories but this order calls for strict compliance. We are waiting for some clarity to decide on online classes on Tuesday.”

An education department official said private schools can continue online classes as long as “children are not called to the premises”.

“Announcing summer vacations in all schools comes under the ambit of the directorate of education. What usually happens during summer vacations — activities or extra classes — may still be done provided children are not called physically,” the official said.