Schools told to remain shut today

MUMBAI: With the state government declaring a holiday today (Thursday) on the occasion of Janmashtami, all Mumbai schools have been told to remain shut by the education

MUMBAI: With the state government declaring a holiday today (Thursday) on the occasion of Janmashtami, all Mumbai schools have been told to remain shut by the education department. But the department has asked schools to consult with their Parents-Teachers Association to announce a five-day break for Ganpati festival.

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The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) had requested the department to make Janmashtami and a fiveday Ganpati break compulsory for all schools including private unaided schools.

As the state government on Tuesday night issued a circular declaring Thursday a holiday for Mumbai and its suburbs, the deputy directorate of education, Mumbai region asked schools to observe the same.

“The government circular is applicable to government and semi-government offices. Even private unaided schools are considered to be semi-government and so will have to follow it,” said BB Chavan, deputy director of education.

But the department has left it up to schools to announce Ganpati holidays. Most schools have already announced a five to six-day break for Ganpati.