Chandigarh: The Haryana government has ordered the closure of Nursery, Lower Kindergarten (LKG) and Upper Kindergarten (UKG) classes in private schools across the state, media reports have said.
While some reports had earlier suggested that the government was mulling to shut down these classes, an ANI report on Friday quoted Rohtak’s Elementary Education Officer, Vijay Laxmi Nandal as saying the order has already been passed in this regard.
The logic behind the move:
State Education Minister Kanwar Pal was quoted by the Indian Express as saying nursery, LKG and UKG was having an adverse effect on the little ones. “Such classes are affecting a child’s mental abilities and growth patterns at a young age”.
As per reports, there are about 8500 private schools across the state who admit children from the nursery level.
According to the Education Minister, the state education rules do not permit admission below class I. The Rohtak’s Elementary Education Officer told ANI that students can take admission only after attaining 5 years of age.
“Children should get ample time to play and grow mentally. The decision has been taken keeping this mind,” he said.
Private schools up in arms:
The decision has not gone down well with the private school association. It alleged that the decision was discriminatory in nature because some government schools also admit students below five years of age.
“If the government doesn’t recall the order, all private schools of the district will take to the streets until it is recalled,” the association has said.