In a decision that has ignited concern among parents, teachers, and educational organizations, the Congress government announced that primary schools across the state would operate on reduced hours for the next three weeks. Starting this month, around 18,241 primary schools will operate from 9 am to 1 pm to facilitate the deployment of secondary grade teachers and headmasters for a state-wide economic and caste census survey.
With this move, the education of nearly 10 lakh primary school students (Classes 1-5) is set to be disrupted. However, secondary grade teachers in high schools have been exempted from these duties. The Education Department has stated that teachers should focus on survey duties during weekends and holidays, yet the decision has faced significant backlash from teacher unions and parents who argue it further undermines the quality of education in government schools.
Since the academic year began in June, multiple disruptions—including the distribution of admissions, books, and uniforms in July and extensive transfers and promotions of teachers—have impacted the regular learning process. Additionally, the October Dussehra and Diwali holidays followed by exams have already limited students’ academic time. Now, with the upcoming caste census survey, students face further disruptions at a critical time.
The government plans to involve a wide range of public servants in the survey, including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, teachers, and mandal-level staff. Given that nearly half of the 80,000 personnel assigned to the census are teachers, many in the education community feel this decision disproportionately affects their sector. In response, several teachers’ associations have expressed their discontent, suggesting hidden motives behind the government’s approach.