Pune: For students studying in the primary sections of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), the wait for weekends just got shorter. Starting Saturday, KVs have switched to a five-day week for its students, as schools will remain shut for them on Saturdays and Sundays. There are approximately 9,000 students studying currently in 14 KVs in the city.
The decision, which had been taken in February, has now been implemented from the current academic year, with an idea of reducing students’ stress levels and giving them time for pursuing hobbies and other areas of interest. While child psychologists and parents have welcome the move, many are of the opinion that it is up to parents to help kids capitalise on the extra day off.
The teaching and non-teaching staff though, will have to be in the school premises for their full quota of working hours, barring the second Saturday of the month, which will be observed as a day-off for all teachers.
“Students from the primary section are already burdened with a lot of curriculum activities, projects and other things, it is difficult for them to pay attention to other activities such as pursuing their hobbies,” said K Mala Basavraj, principal of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in the city.
Robin Ghosh, principal of Victorious Kidss Educares, which observes a six-day week, said that it was up to the school to employ effective teaching techniques. He added that kids in his school have so much fun while learning, that wish to attend sessions even on Sundays.
IT-professional Ashwin Joshi, whose son is in the Khadakwasla KV said, “Since there is a Saturday off now, my wife and I can spend quality time with our child. I can sit with him and check his progress, since I have don’t work on Saturdays and on Sundays, we can go out.”
Child counsellors though expressed mixed views on the development.
Dr Yajyoti Singh, a consultant child psychologist said, “According to me, it is a welcome move, as students, particularly from the primary section, need physical break and one day in a week does not suffice. After a two-day break, children will be more charged-up for the following week, and can concentrate better on studies.”
Psychiatrist Dr Bhooshan Shukla, disagreed with the idea, stating that the move will affect parents who do not have Saturdays off, and no elders to govern kids in their absence. “They will have to look for some creche, which eventually will add burden their pockets.”
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 "Kendriya Vidyalaya- Pune-Schools")
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