Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Jun 29: The department of school education has introduced a uniform Saturday school schedule for all government, aided, and private educational institutions across the state. The new timings, which mandate classes from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, came into effect this Saturday, replacing the varied schedules previously followed by different schools.

However, implementing this new rule has proven challenging in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Confusion marked the first day, with inadequate compliance observed across several schools. Accustomed to the old schedule, many students arrived at 9:30 am.

The delay was largely attributed to students travelling from distant villages who rely heavily on public transport. Teachers have voiced concerns that strictly adhering to uniform timings is difficult in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi due to their unique geographical and regional distinctiveness compared to other districts in the state.

Addressing the issue, the deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) stated that schools have been instructed to comply with the revised timings. However, he added that the practical difficulties faced in the Dakshina Kannada district from a regional and geographical perspective have been brought to the attention of the state government.