In a clear disregard for the Haryana Government’s directive, which mandates that all schools observe a holiday on the second Saturday of every month, several private schools across the state, including those in Rohtak, have continued to operate as usual. This practice has sparked frustration among parents and educators, who highlight the challenges posed by these violations.
Government’s Directive on Second Saturday Holiday
The Haryana Government issued an order requiring all schools, public and private, to close on the second Saturday of every month. The aim was to standardize the holiday schedule for students, making it easier for families to plan activities and for school staff to manage their time. However, many private schools have chosen to ignore this regulation, continuing their operations as normal on the second Saturday of November.
Response from the Authorities
When questioned about the non-compliance, Rohtak District Education Officer (DEO) Manjeet Malik confirmed that the government had issued clear guidelines mandating the holiday. He assured that action would be taken against schools found violating the directive. However, Malik also noted that no complaints had been registered as of yet. “We will take action against the management of the schools that do not adhere to the guidelines issued by the government if we get any complaint in this regard,” said Malik.
Impact on Families and Teachers
Parents, especially those in government services, are particularly affected by these violations. They argue that the inconsistent holiday schedules disrupt family plans and make it difficult to arrange for family outings or events, as they cannot rely on the fixed holiday calendar for schools. Kamal, a parent from Rohtak, expressed his frustration, stating that “Parents who are in government services cannot plan family events or outings even on gazetted holidays, as the schools where their children are studying may be open and even schedule tests on those days.”
Teachers have also voiced their concerns about the situation, advocating for a uniform holiday schedule that would apply to both government and private institutions. This, they believe, would make it easier for families to coordinate holidays and time off. A teacher, who also happens to be a parent, emphasized, “The managements of the educational institutes should adopt a humane approach and accord due priority to the well-being and contentment of the students, teachers, and other staff members.”
The Need for Uniformity
The issue of non-compliance with the government’s holiday order reflects broader concerns about the autonomy of private educational institutions and the challenges of regulating their operations. With no action taken so far by the authorities, many are calling for greater enforcement of the rules to ensure a uniform approach to school holidays.
As the issue remains unresolved, it is likely that parents and teachers will continue to advocate for a more standardized and consistent holiday schedule across all educational institutions, ensuring that students and their families can plan their lives without the uncertainty caused by private school managements.
