Gujarat Government Declares Navratri Vacation From October 10 to 17.
Despite protests from several schools across the state, the Gujarat government on Tuesday declared an eight-day Navratri vacation, from October 10 to October 17, for state-run or affiliated schools and colleges.
The government clarified that the decision will not be binding on schools affiliated to CBSE, ICSE and other boards schools or educational institutions not affiliated to the Gujarat government.
Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, the state education minister, said the vacation was declared to ensure that the youth can enjoy the dance festival which has religious and cultural significance. “The Navratri vacation at schools will be between October 10 and October 17, including the Sunday on October 14. It will be followed by the Dussehra holiday on October 18.
Unaided privates schools in various parts of the state on Monday opposed the decision of the BJP government to give a week-long vacation to schools and colleges during the Navratri festival. They argued that since the academic calendar is prepared in May, the week-long vacation after the sessions has already begun will disturb academic activities.
Officer bearers of various associations of unaided schools will meet chief minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday, to urge him to roll back the decision.
“Students will be getting holidays for Janmashtmi, Navratri and Diwali in rapid succession, which threatens to disrupt academic activities. We will meet the CM and the education minister and request that the vacation be withdrawn. If the government does not accept our proposal, we will go against the decision and keep schools open,” said Naran Patel, president of the All Gujarat School Managements Association.
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