Kerala National Committee on the Protection of the Rights of the Child said the school annual date plan should not be held on working days.
Chairman KV Manoj Kumar directed the Commissioner of General Education (DGE) to act on a petition of a resident in Kannur to issue plans to be carried out on Saturday and Sunday daytime and should be completed at 9.30 pm
Extracurricular activities should not be conducted in a way that disrupts the curriculum or other school activities. The committee said all school authorities should direct non-governmental agencies, clubs and other organizations to plan only during the holidays.
'Exhausted'
The petitioner, a retired teacher, complained that it began in the months of March and April, began around 6 p.m. and ended late at night. Students participating in these programs must wear clothing and make-up early, then have no food or water for a few hours, and end up exhausted. He said it was also the time when Muslims observed a fasting, seeking instructions for plans to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Committee notes that this is the right of children to engage in arts and sport with scholars. Every school should have an environment where they are encouraged to participate in such activities without any stress or obstacles. Even art and sports competitions should be stress-free experiences for students.
publishing – May 3, 2025 at 06:53 pm ist
