Important : School bells in Maharashtra to now ring at 9 am for pre-primary to Class IV

A recent government resolution issued by the Maharashtra School Education department mandates that all schools in Maharashtra, regardless of their board affiliation, must commence classes for pre-primary to IV grades at 9 am or later.

This decision stems from a comprehensive study conducted by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which actively sought input from educationists, parents, and other stakeholders. The aim is to optimize the learning environment for young learners.

In alignment with the resolution, school administrations encountering challenges in adjusting their schedules are encouraged to liaise with the respective District Education Officers for assistance and resolution. Moreover, the resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring compliance with the teaching hours outlined in the Right to Education Act of 2009, without causing undue inconvenience to schools.

Crucially, the resolution underscores the need to synchronize school timings with the operational hours of government and semi-government offices to mitigate potential traffic congestion issues. Failure to do so could exacerbate traffic woes during peak hours.

Governor Ramesh Bais expressed dissatisfaction with the early start times for primary classes during his December address. He highlighted concerns about the impact of late-night activities, such as loud music and excessive entertainment, on students’ sleep patterns and overall enthusiasm for learning. This move towards later start times aims to address these concerns and promote a healthier, more conducive learning environment for young learners across Maharashtra.