VIJAYAWADA: The children who were taking career foundation classes at CVR Government Municipal School here, were forced to starve till noon on Saturday until the arrival of Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana at the school at 1:30 pm.
Upon his arrival, the Minister interacted with the students. Even though the HRD Department had given strict directives on summer classes, the government municipal schools are conducting classes without even providing mid-day meals for students.
It may be mentioned here that HRD Minister Ganta Srinivas Rao, in a recent meeting had said that severe action would be taken against those schools that are conducting summer classes. But, flouting the directives, the government municipal schools are conducting career foundation classes across the State. Despite soaring temperatures, over 34,000 students across the State were made to attend these classes. The classes would continue till May 20 and students would have their vacation from May 21 to 31.
When contacted, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration, Karikala Valaven said that the classes are being held only for those students who have shown interest in taking up career foundation course.
“The students can skip these classes if they are unable to bear the scorching heat but since the teachers are forcing them to attend the classes, we would look into this issue and ensure that summer holidays are declared,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy DEO of Vijayawada Municipal Schools, Durga Prasad said through career foundation course, they want to introduce best teaching practices in government schools. “This project helps students to achieve their dreams and we also would like to prove that municipal school students can make it to prestigious institutions like IIT, NIT etc.”
He further said since the classes are held from 8 am to 11 am, midday meals are not provided to students.
Students feel summer heatBharathi (name changed), a 13-year-old student has been longing for holidays. She is one among those 34,000 students, who has been told frequently that securing a seat in one of the elite institutions should be her life’s goal. Bharathi, the class VIII student travels all the way from Krishnalanka which is over 3 km from her school cycling along with her friend to attend the career foundation classes.
“Minister Narayana has asked us whether we want holidays or not. We wanted to say yes, but due to the presence of our teachers, we remained silent. Some of us have requested the minister for at least a 10-day holiday break. Initially, the minister wanted to grant holidays only for a week but later he gave his nod for 10-day summer vacation. Though I enjoy these classes I feel bad looking at my neighbours playing games on the street corner,” said Bharathi.
Meanwhile, the teacher organisations are seriously opposing these classes.
UTF president P Babu Reddy says, “The temperatures are rising everyday and people are succumbing to heat wave conditions. Nowadays, the government schools are mounting more pressure on students than corporate schools.”