New School Schedule in Chhattisgarh: Teachers Voice Concerns Over Saturday Timings

The Chhattisgarh government has amended the Saturday school schedule, introducing changes in school hours and activity organization for the first time since independence. Specifically, yoga and exercise, previously conducted in the morning, are now scheduled for the afternoon after lunch. Earlier, schools operated on Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The new guidelines extend the school day to 10 AM to 4 PM. Teacher leaders are expressing dissatisfaction with this adjustment, labeling it as impractical and pushing for a return to the former Saturday schedule. The importance of the morning time for physical activities like yoga and exercise, which is best performed on an empty stomach, is repeatedly emphasized. The leaders believe this time is critical for the overall well-being of the students. Concerns have been raised that the revised timings will impede the effectiveness of activities such as physical education and yoga, which are deemed essential for children’s development. The new timings are deemed a challenge to students’ holistic development. The leaders advocate for the reinstatement of morning classes on Saturdays to ensure the continuation of these crucial activities, emphasizing that the morning is the most suitable time for these activities.