Parents slam early school reopening amid rains, demand closure

Bengaluru: Upset over some private schools resuming classes before the official end of the summer vacation, Bengaluru parents have urged the Department of School Education and Literacy to direct these schools to suspend classes for a few days, especially in view of the ongoing rains.

Though vacations officially continue until May 28, several schools, particularly those in South Bengaluru, have been conducting classes for weeks, including for primary students.

“It is understandable for Classes 10 and 12, but why force primary children back?” questioned a parent.

“Working parents might see this as convenient, but we demand action against schools that reopened in early May after barely a month’s break. And now, despite persistent rains, they refuse to declare holidays,” said another parent from South Bengaluru.

One parent noted, “I did not send my child to school on Tuesday after heavy overnight rains, but the school marked him absent. My child’s safety matters more than attendance. He will not be going for at least a week.”

As per the official academic calendar, schools are scheduled to reopen on May 29.

BN Yogananda from the Karnataka School-College Parent Associations Coordination Committee alleged that some schools resume early to attract admissions, calling it a violation of child rights. "The city recently witnessed a Class 9 boy’s death by electrocution; safety should be a priority," he added.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner clarified that since schools are officially on vacation, the government cannot declare holidays for those operating unofficially.

Some colleges under the Karnataka Law University cancelled Tuesday’s internal assessment exams, but students were irked as the announcement came after they had braved difficult conditions to reach the campus.

Bengaluru City University and Bangalore University are adopting a wait-and-watch approach.

“MBA exams are scheduled from May 22. We will review the situation tomorrow and decide on postponement,” said Bengaluru City University’s Registrar (Evaluation).

Bangalore University, with exams from May 26, is yet to make a call.