This year too confusion looms over Ganeshotsav holidays for schools across the city. On one hand Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) sent the circular to schools on August 14, asking to declare two days holidays for Ganeshotsav. But, on the other hand school education department Rajendra Pawar from Mantralay has sent another circular on August 19, stating that schools should consult with Parents Teacher Association (PTA) before declaring the holidays in the school. Principals from various school are of the opinion that this circular will put the school in tight spot.
Why the confusion?
Maharashtra Navnirman Vidhyarthi Sena (MNVS) has approached the education department and secretary of school education to allow schools to give five days holiday during the Ganesh festival. MNVS are of the opinion that two-day holiday decided by civic body is not sufficient for a festival of such importance in the state.
Aditya Shirodkar, MNVS, President, said, "Since the circular has come out from Mantralay on holidays. Now we would go to all schools and request them to give at least five holidays for Ganeshotsav."
What is the solution?
The deputy director has informed the schools to consults the PTA and decide the holidays. The circular also states that the schools can reduce other holidays and to give holidays for regional festivals before taking the permission of education officer.
In a year how many holidays can school declare?
The schools can declare 76 holidays including Diwali, Christmas and public holidays.
Principals' take
Fr. George Athaide, secretary of Archdiocesan Board of Education, said, "Schools cannot give more than 76 holidays to the students as per the education department rule. Education department does not want to take this responsibility on them, so they are putting it on schools now.
Moreover schools have students from all religion, so parents will demand holidays for festival important for their religion. The discussion with PTA will lead to further conflict of interest.
Raj Aloni, principal of Ramsheth Thakur Public School, Kharghar, said, "It is better that the state government take decisions on holidays and put this burden on schools. This will only create chaos as different parents will come up with different holiday request."
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