<p>Mumbai: School bus operators in Maharashtra have opposed the state government's decision to begin classes for pre-primary to IV grades at 9 am, saying it would pose difficulties for them and lead to hike in their charges.</p>.<p>They argue that the new timing will lead to the school buses getting stuck in the morning peak hour traffic, which will ultimately result in delays.</p>.<p>The government last week issued an order asking schools to start classes for pre-primary to standard IV from 9 am onwards. The move from the state school education department came after Governor Ramesh Bais, in a speech in the first week of December last year, indicated his aversion to the early timings for primary classes.</p>.<p>School and Company Bus Owners' Association treasurer Ramesh Maniyan said, 'We oppose the government resolution (GR) as it will directly lead to a hike in our cost by 25 per cent. The government took this decision unilaterally after listening to the grievances of parents, which is not good.' 'Before 9 am, there is sparse traffic on roads. But if the schools open at 9 am, the school buses will get stuck in traffic, which will lead to delays for the children,' he said.</p>.<p>In the order, the government has ordered all private and public schools to change the timings of the pre-primary and primary sections. Classes will now start at 9 am and school will give over at 2 pm.</p>.<p>Changes in lifestyle, including going to bed late, loud music and access to various means of entertainment, had resulted in students not getting adequate and proper sleep, it said.</p>
<p>Mumbai: School bus operators in Maharashtra have opposed the state government's decision to begin classes for pre-primary to IV grades at 9 am, saying it would pose difficulties for them and lead to hike in their charges.</p>.<p>They argue that the new timing will lead to the school buses getting stuck in the morning peak hour traffic, which will ultimately result in delays.</p>.<p>The government last week issued an order asking schools to start classes for pre-primary to standard IV from 9 am onwards. The move from the state school education department came after Governor Ramesh Bais, in a speech in the first week of December last year, indicated his aversion to the early timings for primary classes.</p>.<p>School and Company Bus Owners' Association treasurer Ramesh Maniyan said, 'We oppose the government resolution (GR) as it will directly lead to a hike in our cost by 25 per cent. The government took this decision unilaterally after listening to the grievances of parents, which is not good.' 'Before 9 am, there is sparse traffic on roads. But if the schools open at 9 am, the school buses will get stuck in traffic, which will lead to delays for the children,' he said.</p>.<p>In the order, the government has ordered all private and public schools to change the timings of the pre-primary and primary sections. Classes will now start at 9 am and school will give over at 2 pm.</p>.<p>Changes in lifestyle, including going to bed late, loud music and access to various means of entertainment, had resulted in students not getting adequate and proper sleep, it said.</p>