Nagpur Schools Outside City Limits Adapt for NMC Poll Voting
Schools situated beyond Nagpur's city limits are taking unique steps to ensure their staff can participate in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls on Thursday. While a mandatory holiday applies only to schools within the city, these institutions find themselves in a confusing grey area.
Half-Day Decisions Amid Exam Schedules
Many of these schools have opted for a half-day closure. This decision balances the need for staff to vote with ongoing academic commitments. A principal from one such school explained the reasoning.
"If we declare a full holiday, it will disrupt our exam schedule, which was planned months in advance," the principal said. "By working only until 1 PM, staff members can leave early and have plenty of time to cast their votes."
Typically, two to three hours are considered sufficient buffer time for voting. With exams currently in progress, the half-day approach provides a practical solution without compromising academic activities.
Confusion Over Government Gazette Clarified
Earlier, there was significant confusion among schools regarding the rules. Many misinterpreted a government gazette that mandated a holiday. One column in the gazette mentioned Nagpur, and it was later clarified that this applied only to areas under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
However, some schools mistakenly believed the holiday requirement extended to the entire district. Those without exams or special events scheduled for January 15 decided to declare a full holiday anyway.
Principals Prefer Caution in Decision-Making
One principal shared their cautious approach with TOI. "January 14 was already a holiday for Makar Sankranti, so we chose to remain closed on January 15 as well," the principal stated. "No one wants to risk receiving government notices on such a critical matter as elections."
This sentiment highlights the desire to avoid potential legal issues while supporting democratic participation. The staff at these schools primarily reside within the city, making their voting rights a priority despite the schools' locations outside city limits.
Overall, these adjustments demonstrate how educational institutions are navigating regulatory ambiguities to facilitate voting in the NMC polls.
