The Department of School Education and Literacy, Karnataka is expected to revise the school timings across Bengaluru. The department has convened a meeting on Thursday to discuss school timings revision across the city.
Bengaluru has been recently struggling with heavy traffic congestion which prompted the administration to shift school timings to decongest the roads in the city.
At present, most of the schools in the city start at 8:30 AM. The department is likely to advance the timings by half an hour to one hour.
School administrators, private transportation providers, and parents have voiced their concerns regarding the proposal. They argue that advancing school schedules could potentially worsen the physical and mental well-being of children, parents, and their dependents.
The Associated Management of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has highlighted the challenges associated with the rescheduling of school hours. According to Shashi Kumar D, the general secretary of KAMS, both students and parents are currently experiencing significant stress levels. Therefore, any adjustments to school timings would worsen this situation.
He further added, “Typically, daily routines at households start as early as 4.30 AM. A revision in timings will cut short the sleep time, apart from impacting physical and mental wellness.”
Various stakeholders including, KAMS have suggested some policy changes that the government can consider to address the traffic woes in the city. “The government has to look at making policy changes. For instance, let the traffic police deploy cops as early as 7:00 AM near all schools. In addition, at least two police personnel or home guards should be deployed at major junctions near schools during the opening and closing hours,” some stakeholders said.
Alternatives to changing school timings
• Let traffic cops start work by 7 AM.
• Deploy traffic cops at major junctions near schools
• Ensure traffic discipline around schools.
• CBD schools should make pupils travel either by school transport or public transport.
• Increase BMTC/ Metro frequency during school hours.
Bengaluru has been recently struggling with heavy traffic congestion which prompted the administration to shift school timings to decongest the roads in the city.
At present, most of the schools in the city start at 8:30 AM. The department is likely to advance the timings by half an hour to one hour.
School administrators, private transportation providers, and parents have voiced their concerns regarding the proposal. They argue that advancing school schedules could potentially worsen the physical and mental well-being of children, parents, and their dependents.
The Associated Management of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has highlighted the challenges associated with the rescheduling of school hours. According to Shashi Kumar D, the general secretary of KAMS, both students and parents are currently experiencing significant stress levels. Therefore, any adjustments to school timings would worsen this situation.
He further added, “Typically, daily routines at households start as early as 4.30 AM. A revision in timings will cut short the sleep time, apart from impacting physical and mental wellness.”
Various stakeholders including, KAMS have suggested some policy changes that the government can consider to address the traffic woes in the city. “The government has to look at making policy changes. For instance, let the traffic police deploy cops as early as 7:00 AM near all schools. In addition, at least two police personnel or home guards should be deployed at major junctions near schools during the opening and closing hours,” some stakeholders said.
Alternatives to changing school timings
• Let traffic cops start work by 7 AM.
• Deploy traffic cops at major junctions near schools
• Ensure traffic discipline around schools.
• CBD schools should make pupils travel either by school transport or public transport.
• Increase BMTC/ Metro frequency during school hours.