From Our Correspondent
TURA, July 3: Airing concern over the extensive workload shouldered by teachers in recent times, the FKJGP, Garo Hills Zone, on Friday urged the Education department to revoke its earlier notification on the mid-term break for schools in the state and extend the vacation to a later date.
In a representation addressed to the Commissioner and Secretary to the Meghalaya government, VK Mantri, the FKJGP referred to the department’s notification directing schools that concluded their mid-term examinations by June 30 to resume classes from July 6. It argued that the intervening break was insufficient for teachers to effectively discharge their academic responsibilities.
“Teachers across the state were deputed for the House Listing phase of the Census from 16th May to 14th June, 2026. Immediately upon completion of this assignment, they resumed academic responsibilities and conducted mid-term examinations until 30th June, 2026. The post-examination period requires teachers to evaluate answer scripts, tabulate marks, prepare progress reports and conduct remedial planning—tasks that demand considerable time and concentration,” it said.
“A break of only five days does not permit adequate rest nor completion of the above academic work. Continuous engagement in official and academic duties without recuperation may lead to burnout and affect the quality of teaching. Both students and teachers require reasonable intervals of rest to maintain mental and physical well-being, which directly impacts learning outcomes,” the FKJGP added.
It also sought a minimum mid-term break of three weeks for all schools to facilitate the completion of evaluation work and provide teachers with adequate rest.
The federation then urged the state government to take into account non-academic duties assigned to teachers, such as Census and election work, while preparing future academic calendars, and called for district-level consultations with teachers’ bodies before finalising examination schedules and holidays to ensure their practical feasibility.
