Parents question June 15 reopening for CBSE schools in Vidarbha

Nagpur: After Nagpur bench of Bombay high court sought a reply from state govt on why their schools were opening on June 15 in Vidarbha, even though the weather conditions here are not conducive, a similar demand is being made by parents for CBSE schools. Though no parent or association has yet approached the court, the process is starting with some groups scheduled to meet with education officials. CBSE Schools Staff Welfare Association (CSSWA) has planned to meet with senior education officials and formally register a complaint about violations being done by CBSE schools. One of the issues that will be highlighted is the mismatch in academic schedule. Yogesh Pathare, national coordinator of Jagruk Palak Samiti, said, "Orders were issued in 2009 and again in 2012 that clearly stated that schools in Vidarbha should reopen late considering the region's extreme heat conditions. The climate in Vidarbha is very different from regions like Konkan and Pune, yet the decision is being ignored. Starting schools early in such weather puts a physical burden on students and affects their health and well-being. Several discussions and govt orders in the past acknowledged this concern, making the present situation all the more outrageous."In Vidarbha, schools start after June 26 because of the hot weather. But CBSE schools in Nagpur have historically reopened their institutes on different dates. This year the entire issue came under the limelight because state govt asked all Vidarbha schools to also reopen on June 15, just like the rest-of-Maharashtra counterparts.He added, "Parents too must raise their voice on the issue, as it directly concerns the health and safety of children. Unless parents collectively demand implementation of the earlier orders, such concerns will continue to be overlooked."(With inputs from Baarsa Deb Barma & Saara Shrivastava)