Ghaziabad Parents Stage Protest Against DPS Over Extended School Hours
In a significant demonstration of parental concern, over 300 parents gathered outside Delhi Public School (DPS) Ghaziabad on Saturday to protest the implementation of longer school timings for the new academic session. The protest, held at the school gate, saw parents vehemently opposing the management's decision to extend daily school hours to seven, labeling it as excessive and potentially harmful to their children's overall well-being.
Revised Schedule Sparks Outcry Among Parents
According to the newly introduced schedule, junior classes now operate from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, while senior students attend school from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Parents argue that this extended duration is particularly burdensome for younger children, leading to exhaustion and disrupting their daily routines. One parent, whose son is in Class 1, shared, "Earlier, he would return home by around 2:30 PM. Now he reaches close to 4:30 PM, completely drained. He is too tired to play, eat properly, or even complete homework on time. At such a young age, children need rest and recreation, not such long academic hours. This change has entirely disrupted his schedule."
Health and Nutrition Concerns Raised
Another parent, with a daughter in Class 4, highlighted serious health and nutrition issues. "My child gets only one proper meal during school hours, and seven hours is too long for that. She often returns home hungry and complains of headaches and fatigue. We have already noticed health issues cropping up due to this prolonged schedule. Children cannot remain attentive for such long durations without proper breaks and meals," the parent stated. These concerns underscore the broader anxiety among families about the physical and mental impact of the extended hours on their children.
School Authorities Defend Decision
In response to the protest, school authorities defended the revised timings, asserting that the decision was made to ensure better academic coverage and structured learning. A school official explained, "The school management has revised the schedule after careful consideration of academic requirements. The extension is marginal, aimed at allowing adequate time for syllabus completion and co-curricular engagement. To ensure students do not feel burdened, a five-minute break has been incorporated between each class. The principal is also in active discussions with parents to address their concerns, and efforts are being made to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution."
District Education Authorities Step In
Meanwhile, district education authorities have taken note of the escalating issue. Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) OP Yadav commented on the matter, noting that the prescribed duration for school hours is generally six hours. "Government schools follow a six-hour schedule. We have received complaints from parents regarding the extended hours in this case. The matter will be reviewed, and appropriate action will be taken if required," Yadav assured. This intervention highlights the potential for regulatory scrutiny as the dispute continues to unfold.
The protest at DPS Ghaziabad reflects a growing tension between educational institutions seeking to enhance academic rigor and parents prioritizing their children's health and work-life balance. As discussions progress, all parties involved are hopeful for a resolution that balances educational needs with the well-being of students.
