Kendriya Vidyalayas to promote students' unions

Move to encourage participation in school functioning

 
The Sanghatan, the central body governing the massive nationwide network of KV schools, has issued fresh guidelines on students’ councils that envisage their involvement in the running of the schools by way of providing suggestions for improvement.

The new set of regulations consists of rules about composition, selection procedure as well as the functions of the student unions. Planned changes also include monthly meetings of the union to discuss about students’ problems. The apex body has also asked schools to constitute student bodies by September 15.

However, there won’t be elections. The selection of the head of the council will be done by a committee comprising principal, vice principal and group of other teachers nominated by the principal. Performance in personal interview, popularity among students as well as academic performance is the yardsticks for selection.

The new rules are aimed at strengthening the student participation in formation of rules, say sources in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghatan.

“Even though many schools had student councils, there was no uniformity in the selection procedure adopted by them,” said an official of the organisation. There are close to 1073 KV schools across the country and 13 in the city.

Good opportunity

According to experts, the move is a clear signal from the organisation about the significance they attach to the activities of the union.  They say that it is an opportunity for students to be a part of system and make changes.

“Students should have a say in the rules and regulations as it affects them. We often tweak the rules based on the inputs received from the students. Amendments would strengthen student unions,” says V Meenakshi, principal of KV Malleswaram.

B S Patil, principal of KV Bidar, seconds Meenakshi’s views. “Students can play very important role in running a school. It will also develop leadership qualities among students,” said Patil.