Mangaluru: In a move to compensate for the loss of instructional days caused by heavy rains, schools in Dakshina Kannada district will conduct full-day classes on Saturdays starting from September. The district administration had declared multiple holidays across various taluks in recent weeks, leading to concerns about meeting the academic calendar requirements.
Over 10 holidays due to heavy rains
According to GS Shashidhar, Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Dakshina Kannada, rain-induced holidays began in June and continued until this week, with different taluks recording between 10 to 12 days of lost classes. “With the rain subsiding in the region, we are planning to compensate for the missed academic days by holding full-day classes on Saturdays and certain other holidays. A circular will be issued shortly,” Shashidhar stated.
As per the academic calendar, schools are mandated to conduct 242 instructional days annually. Authorities say that the decision will ensure students are not deprived of essential curriculum coverage before examinations.
Classes may extend into Dasara vacation
When asked whether schools might be required to conduct classes during the Dasara holidays, Shashidhar said the decision would be left to individual Block Education Officers (BEOs) in consultation with the School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), teachers, parents and students.
“If the SDMC, teachers, students and parents agree, then schools can hold a few classes during Dasara vacations as well,” he added.
PU colleges to follow similar schedule
Rajeshwari, Deputy Director of Pre-University Education (DDPU), confirmed that the same approach would be applied to PU colleges in the district. “We have given oral instructions to colleges to plan full-day sessions on Saturdays. Colleges may also conduct additional classes during holidays if necessary,” she said.
Parental response and academic concerns
Parents have expressed mixed reactions to the decision. While some welcomed the move to safeguard students’ academic progress, others raised concerns about increased workload and the effect on students’ weekend rest. Teachers have also noted that compensatory classes would require coordinated efforts to ensure both attendance and effective teaching.
Conclusion
With official orders expected in the coming days, Dakshina Kannada schools and colleges are preparing to revise their schedules to meet the mandated 242 instructional days. The district administration hopes the measure will ensure that academic activities remain on track despite the prolonged monsoon disruptions.