Parents of CBSE schoolkids oppose 6-day week proposal

‘Let our kids rest’ was an online campaign started by parents in June demanding more time for their children to relax over the weekend.

More than 12,700 parents of children studying in schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) across the country, including Patna, have joined an online petition opposing a proposed six-day week for Classes 6 to 8.

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‘Let our kids rest’ was started by parents last month, demanding that their children be allowed to relax over the weekend.

In a circular on curriculum updates for 2015-16, the CBSE has directed schools to function six hours and 10 minutes six days a week. However, it will remain a five-day week for students of Classes 1 to 5.

Though the CBSE officials said the proposal is yet to be finalised, parents have started an online campaign raising their voices against it. The parents have written a petition addressed to the CBSE board chairperson. “Indian students have some of the highest stress levels in the world,” read the petition.

“Our children don’t have enough time to spend with families, play sports or take part in extra-curricular activities.”

The parents have demanded the board to withdraw the proposal. “If many of us sign the petition, we can send the message loud and clear to CBSE not to overburden our children,” said a parent, refusing to be named.

They said that weekends are important for children to de- stress after working hard throughout the week. “My son looks forward to weekends as he can relax and do activities that he loves,” said a parent. “This also helps my son focus at school for the rest of the week.”

In April, the state school education department had asked its schools to follow a six-day week but the decision was rolled back. The department had insisted that schools should meet the 220 working days stipulated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. But, the city schools had objected, stating that it would require them to work on Saturdays.

“Giving offs on weekends is important for the children’s mental health,” said a school principal. “It is the only time of the week when children get to spend quality time with their families,” she added.