Does it really make sense to run educational institutions for six days of the week? This question cropped up following a demand from the Goa Government ITI Employees Association which has made a demand for a five-day week. While the demand is based on norms followed in other states and the National Skill Qualification Framework, what matters here is whether students will benefit or lose in the process. Studies have shown that a five-day week is more beneficial to employees in offices and industries. Sufficient periods of rest always produce better results and some nations are now implementing laws to protect employees from being forced to check email on off days. If longer periods of rest have a proven benefit on employees why can’t the same be extended to students, not just of ITIs but other colleges as well? From this point alone the demand by ITI employees has merit. Just think of the saving in fuel costs if the school and college week is reduced from six to five days. Schedules and time tables can easily be adjusted to accommodate the one-day loss. The government already has a five-day week and banks are moving in that direction, so this might be the right time to discuss a shorter week for students.
