Patna: Bihar government is expected to take a decision within a week on whether government schools should revert to a half-day schedule on Saturdays, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary told the Legislative Council during the Monsoon Session.
The issue was raised by members from both the ruling alliance and the opposition, who urged the government to restore the earlier Saturday timetable and align school hours with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Government Assures Review Within a Week
Responding to the discussion, Samrat Choudhary said the proposal to reintroduce half-day classes on Saturdays would be examined and a decision would be taken within seven days.
He said the government would consult teachers, students and other stakeholders before finalising its position. According to Choudhary, the objective is to strengthen the quality of education rather than make changes to the school calendar without adequate consideration.
MLCs Seek Restoration of Earlier Saturday Schedule
MLCs Naval Kishore Yadav, Sanjeev Singh and Jeevan Kumar questioned the Education Department over the continuation of full-day classes on Saturdays in government schools.
The legislators recalled that the previous Education Minister had assured the House that half-day teaching would be restored on Saturdays. They also argued that the current timetable should be brought in line with the provisions of the National Education Policy.
According to the members, the policy prescribes around five to five-and-a-half hours of classroom instruction from Monday to Friday, whereas many government schools are currently functioning for about six-and-a-half hours.
Concerns Over Existing School Timetable
During the debate, legislators said a shorter academic schedule on Saturdays would benefit both students and teachers while ensuring compliance with existing guidelines.
They also referred to earlier provisions under which schools conducted classes for two to two-and-a-half hours on two Saturdays each month, while remaining closed on the other two Saturdays.
Several members argued that although “bag-less” activities are being conducted in many schools on Saturdays, they have not produced the intended educational outcomes.
Decision to Consider NEP and Stakeholder Feedback
Samrat Choudhary said the government would examine the issue in the context of the National Education Policy and seek suggestions from teachers, students and other stakeholders before making a final decision.
The Education Department is expected to review the current school schedule, student convenience and the impact of Saturday classes on learning outcomes before submitting its recommendations.
Final Decision Awaited
No final decision has yet been announced on restoring half-day Saturdays in Bihar government schools. However, the Chief Minister’s assurance in the Legislative Council indicates that the government is likely to announce its decision within the next week following consultations and departmental review.
