Maharashtra Parents’ Association has expressed concern over change in school timings 

In a recent move that has sparked considerable backlash, the Maharashtra government has mandated that all schools within the state commence classes no earlier than 9 am. This amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act has been met with strong opposition from various stakeholders, including parents, school operators, and transporters.

Dilip Singh Vishwakarma, the president of the Maharashtra State Parents’ Association, has expressed significant concerns over a new directive. 

According to him, the government’s decision is likely to cause more harm than good. He believes that this decision will place a heavier financial burden on parents and wonders if the government has even considered this aspect. Vishwakarma finds it infuriating and unfortunate that the government failed to consult key stakeholders before making such a pivotal decision. As a result, this decision has caused widespread frustration and logistical headaches.

Transport logistics have also been highlighted as a major issue. Santosh Karale, a local school bus operator, pointed out the practical difficulties that will arise from the uniform school start time. “Our buses run at different timings for schools that begin in the morning and afternoon. If all schools start after 9 am, we will need to add more buses, and this cost will be passed on to the parents,” Karale explained. He added that managing all buses simultaneously is impractical, suggesting that maintaining separate morning and afternoon slots would be more efficient.

Further complicating matters, the Maharashtra State Student-Parent-Teacher Federation in Pune, led by President Dipali Sardeshmukh, criticized both the new timing and broader issues with the RTE admission process. “Parents and students are facing a double dilemma regarding RTE admission. Moreover, the new order has not been accepted by most schools. It will disrupt the entire schedule of the schools, and there won’t be any solution for it,” Sardeshmukh remarked.

The opposition to the amendment includes demands for its immediate withdrawal and for revisiting changes to the RTE Act itself, highlighting a significant disconnect between the government’s decisions and the community’s needs.