In what appears to be a face-saving exercise, the government has reportedly announced that the upcoming academic year 2025-26 will commence on April 7 instead of April 1. The government has proposed granting a one-week break between the end of the existing term and the start of the new academic year, as there was opposition from parents to the move to start the new academic year on April 1. This appears to be a case of too little, too late.
The main reason for the demand to start the term in June is the unbearable heat that prevails during April and May, unlike in Delhi and other northern states, where the warm season commences in June. Since the start of the new academic year has been postponed by one week, the question that arises is whether the climate will be cooler after the first week of April. Does the hot summer season last only for the first week of April?
Children do need a break. But unlike adults, a break for children does not mean relaxing at home. It means going on vacation with family members, joining music classes, dance classes, enrolling in coaching classes for various sports, and doing things schoolchildren always wanted to do after a hectic academic year. Will all this be possible in just one week? How much fun can children have in just one week? Going on vacation during the rainy season may not be a good idea.
Schoolchildren may be voiceless in protesting against the injustice being meted out to them. The parents have protested. It is for the Education Department to listen to the demands of all stakeholders and continue the new academic year from June, as has been the case for decades.
