CLASH BETWEEN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TIMINGS AND PRIVATE COACHING CENTRES

CLASH BETWEEN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TIMINGS AND PRIVATE COACHING CENTRES

7-APRIL-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Recently, the operating hours for government schools in Bihar were shifted to the morning slot. The objective behind this decision was to provide students with relief from the summer heat and to foster a more conducive environment for learning. However, the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

With the implementation of these morning hours, a major problem has emerged: private coaching institutes are operating at full capacity during the exact same time slots. Consequently, a large number of students are opting for coaching centers over their schools. This has had a direct impact on attendance in government schools, where a steady decline in student numbers is being observed.

This situation raises several serious questions. Is the focal point of education shifting away from schools and toward private coaching institutes? Have the quality and management of government schools deteriorated to such an extent that students are prioritizing coaching over attending school? Or is there simply a lack of coordination at the administrative level, leading to this conflict?

The most critical question is why the government and the administration appear to be overlooking this entire issue. Are high-ranking officials within the Education Department—such as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS)—unaware of this situation? If not, why have no concrete measures been taken to address it thus far?

It is imperative that this issue be taken seriously. The government must either establish a clear distinction between school and coaching center timings or issue strict guidelines regarding the operation of these private institutes. Furthermore, the quality of government schools must be improved and their capabilities enhanced to the point where the confidence of both students and parents can be fully restored.

If this problem is not resolved in a timely manner, the public education system could weaken even further in the future—a consequence for which the entire society will ultimately have to pay the price.