Gujarat government declares Navratri vacation from October 10 to 17

Gandhinagar: Despite protests from several schools across the state, the

Gujarat

government on Tuesday declared an eight-day

Navratri vacation

, from October 10 to October 17, for state-run or affiliated schools and colleges.


The government clarified that the decision will not be binding on schools affiliated to CBSE, ICSE and other boards schools or educational institutions not affiliated to the Gujarat government.

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, the state education minister, said the vacation was declared to ensure that the youth can enjoy the dance festival which has religious and cultural significance. “The Navratri vacation at schools will be between October 10 and October 17, including the Sunday on October 14. It will be followed by the Dussehra holiday on October 18.”

“The Navratri vacation will not adversely impact exam schedules as exams are to be held between October 22 and November 3. In the case of classes IX to XII, exams will be between October 19 and October 30.”

Considering opposition to the vacation from many schools, who fear it will interfere with the set academic

schedule

, Chudasama reiterated that the Navratri vacation will be adjusted with the Diwali vacation.

“The Diwali vacation, which earlier stretched to November 25, now will be from November 5 to November 18. November 4 is a Sunday. The hue and cry by certain elements and the Congress are politically motivated. Not a single day of the academic session has been sacrificed for the Navratri vacation. Seven days of the Diwali vacation have been adjusted against the Navratri vacation,” Chudasama said.

Chudasama said he has not received a representation opposing the Navratri vacation. He said the decision was not taken in haste. It was taken after consulting students and education experts.

President of All Gujarat School Managements Association Naran Patel said that they had asked the government to review the Navratri vacation but the government went ahead and made the

announcement

.

“Since it is about putting educational activities on hold for a week, we will see what should be done,” said Patel.

A trustee of Udgam School, Manan Choksi, said it is difficult to give a week-long vacation. “One or two days off during the weekend may be more feasible.”

Father Charles Aruldas, principal of St Xavier’s Loyola Hall, said their vacation will be declared following the government’s decision. “We also have to declare a Christmas vacation, due to which we may have to increase working hours.”


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