Kendriya Vidyalayas may soon have two weekly offs

Over a million Kendriya Vidyalaya students across the country could soon enjoy an extended weekend as authorities are mulling over cutting their working days and making schooling a five-day affair.

This is aimed at allowing students to "pursue self-learning" and follow their passion and indulge in non-academic activities. In a meeting last week, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan heads felt that five-day week would give "space" to children who, for years, merely get an off on Sundays besides the second Saturday of the month. "Keeping them bound to the school routine six days a week is detrimental to their natural growth of talent in various fields," noted the minutes of the meeting (a copy is with TOI) that took place on Thursday.

The KVs outside India, in Iran, Moscow and Khatmandu, work for five days. "While the Western system of education is quoted and applauded in ways, the important aspect of giving autonomy to students to pursue their hobbies and interests away from the Vidyalaya binding is overlooked," noted All India Kendriya Vidyalaya Teachers' Association president A S Mazumdar. He added that there are several institutions that follow a five-day-week time table.