Some top of the list wishes to make life better of school going children somehow don’t get into policies and action plans. For instance, reducing the weight of school bag is one thing every parent and child loving person would like to see, but it has not happened and is in itself very old and a ‘lost battle’. It is so because our policy planners and administrators were never serious about it and now commercial interests via galloping private schooling system has taken it beyond anybody’s corrective reach.
However, one big duty can still be done to crores of children going to schools in this country while new National Policy on Education is still being shaped. February and March months in most parts of the country are the most beautiful months in terms of climate. And yet these two months are wasted fully in exams and results. With climate change a reality, harsh months could become more severe in coming years. Our whole exam schedule can safely go to April-May as do our undergraduate exams. Utilizing the pleasant spring months in study and sports makes productive sense. Our school exam doesn’t compare internationally even, a shift may correct that anomaly as well. If the best time of the year is released for children, it will have a wonder effect on them. When they should be enjoying a game out, they have to stay indoors preparing for exams. Hours and days gained as result could make more time available for creative and co-curricular activities. Also, if our policy makers can allow district level regulation for school opening and closing so that local authorities are empowered to take a call on school timings in case of adverse weather conditions. The policy makers shouldn’t fail children this time!
