Chhattisgarh schools are implementing new Saturday schedules, altering the historical school timings and the order of activities. The new timings shift activities like yoga and exercise to the afternoon, after lunch. The prior schedule had schools open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturdays. The revised schedule extends the school day from 10 AM to 4 PM. This adjustment has sparked criticism, especially among teacher leaders who view the changes as impractical, urging the continuation of the previous Saturday schedule. These leaders emphasize the importance of physical and mental activities for children’s holistic development, highlighting that the morning is the most suitable time for these activities, and it is very important for physical health. The leaders also feel that the old time was suitable to help children’s holistic development, by balancing their minds and bodies. They believe this balance is essential. Implementing the changes may hinder the benefits of these activities, and thus, the leaders advocate for the reinstatement of morning classes on Saturdays to ensure the continuation of these crucial activities, emphasizing that the morning is the most suitable time for these activities.
The aim of education is the holistic development of children. Therefore, a balance between learning in books and other activities must be kept.