Maharashtra: Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar Announces Major School Timing Changes for 2024 Academic Year

Pune, 19th December 2023:

Education Minister of Maharashtra, Deepak Kesarkar, has revealed plans for a significant shift in school timings set to be implemented in the upcoming academic year. Kesarkar confirmed that schools catering to students up to class II will commence classes only after 9 am, marking a considerable change in the daily schedule.

Expressing alignment with the viewpoint expressed by Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais regarding school timings, Kesarkar disclosed the formation of a specialized committee tasked with deliberating upon and finalizing decisions in this regard.

Furthermore, Kesarkar emphasized that additional decisions will be made after the committee receives and reviews the comprehensive report from a panel comprising psychologists and pediatricians. This expert assessment will contribute crucial insights guiding further determinations concerning school timings.

Highlighting the immediate plan, Kesarkar detailed that school timings, ranging from primary to secondary levels, are set to begin only after 9 am. However, deliberations via a committee will ensue to ascertain timings for other classes. The Minister underscored the importance of considering evolving lifestyles, indicating that early morning school timings adversely impact children’s sleep patterns due to shifting routines.

The impetus behind this initiative stems from the recent advice issued by Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais in December 2023. Governor Bais raised concerns to the state education department, citing the changing lifestyle patterns that have led to a shift in sleep schedules for many individuals, resulting in a prevalent tendency to sleep late at night.