Private schools defy govt. ruling, conduct classes during holidays

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, June 04: Despite announcement of summer vacation by the State Education Department from May 29, many private educational institutions continue to defy the norms and are conducting the classes regularly.

Some of the reputed private schools did not close down according to the announced date but no action is being taken against them for ignoring the rules set by the government this endangering the life of children.

It is pertinent to mentioned here that many private schools chiefly high and higher secondary in the city are still functioning even after announcement of summer vacation by the Director School Education.

A student said that, the school authorities have not declared any holiday. "We come in morning to attend daily classes, after that during afternoon we go to home. Authorities have stopped the plying of school bus due to which we have to suffer", student said.

Source said that there are about 25,000 governments as well as private schools in Jammu region and many of the private institutions do not follow the directions of Director School Education. Many students said that the schools have become the money chargers.

"Majority of private schools are holding their usual classes and one of the private higher secondary school even hold classes during entire summer vacation for 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th classes. It has become a routine for some private schools to hold classes on holidays. This puts a lot of pressure on children", alleged local residents.

"It seems the managements of private schools have a parallel directorate, which decides their academic calendar. Despite strict warnings from the government, they keep their premises open," they added.

When contacted Chief Education Officer, Jammu Natha Ram Digra said that the department has deputed 14 inspection team in different part of the Jammu to check regularly if the private school is open during summer vacations.

Digra further said that if the department found any such private school we will take strict action against it.