The recent directive by the Telangana government to standardize the schedule across Gurukul schools, advancing the start time by one hour, has stirred significant opposition from teachers’ associations. These groups criticize the decision as “unscientific” and raise concerns about the impact on both teachers and students.
Unequal Burden on Female Teachers
The new schedule mandates that schools begin at 8 am instead of 9 am, extending the school day until 4:30 pm. This change, teachers argue, disproportionately affects female educators. The extended hours pose challenges for them, particularly due to the lack of transportation and security when traveling at night. S. Srijana, principal of BC Gurukulam in Medak, highlighted the absence of transport facilities and adequate security, which makes it unsafe for female teachers to commute late in the evening.
Inadequate Facilities for Students
Students, too, are expected to bear the brunt of the new schedule. Many Gurukul schools are not equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support an early start. For instance, Surender Rathod, a teacher at a Tribal Welfare Residential Junior College near Maheshwaram, pointed out that most schools with around 500 students only have 20 bathrooms, making it unrealistic to prepare breakfast by 7 am. Additionally, most residential schools do not have proper play areas for children, forcing them to stay inside the classroom for extended periods. Srijana mentioned that, in her school, the classroom doubles as a dining hall, underscoring the lack of space and facilities.
Extended Hours for Teachers
The new schedule also implies longer working hours for teachers, particularly those residing far from their schools. Rathod, who lives 63 km away, noted that teachers often stay overnight at the Gurukul to supervise study hours between 7 and 9 pm. He added that, except for a few older schools, most institutions lack residential quarters and other basic amenities for teachers.
Demand for Revision
In light of these issues, the Telangana State United Teachers’ Federation (TSUTF) has called for a revision of the working hours. They argue that the current schedule violates the Right to Education Act and should be re-evaluated with input from child psychologists, the Child Rights Commission, parents, and teachers. The federation emphasizes that any changes to the school schedule should consider the well-being of both students and teachers.
Government’s Stance
Despite the widespread opposition, the Tribal Welfare Department principal secretary, Dr. A Sharath, affirmed that there would be no reconsideration of the decision. He stated that the department is committed to implementing the government order. Supporting this stance, K Seetha Lakshmi, secretary of TGSWREIS, claimed that the decision was made in response to requests from parents.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the new school schedule in Telangana highlights significant concerns regarding the welfare of teachers and students. The teachers’ associations argue that the decision was made without adequate consideration of the practical challenges faced by both educators and pupils. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will address these concerns and make adjustments to the policy.
