Schools to remain closed for three days in Maharashtra during elections? Here’s what we know

As preparations for the state assembly elections 2024 are in full swing, some schools may remain closed for three days on November 18, 19 and 20 due to the elections being held on November 20. The decision has been taken keeping in mind that a majority of teachers will play a key role in the electoral process, and many polling stations are located in schools.

In the backdrop of this, the Education Commissionerate proposed to the Education Department that schools be granted holidays on 18th, 19th, and 20th November. As a result, Tushar Mahajan, Deputy Secretary of the School Education Department, has issued a circular to the Education Commissioner. The circular specified that to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, schools should remain closed where teachers’ election duties or usage of premises for polling activities prevent classes from taking place smoothly.

The education department has acknowledged that teachers play a very important role in the electoral process, whose job is to carry out polling-related tasks. Moreover, polling stations are operated in many schools, due to which they need to be made available in advance for election preparations. School principals and local administration have been advised to take decisions about closing schools based on local conditions, so that there is a balance between election work and educational responsibilities.

Loksatta quoted former Principal Mahendra Ganpule as saying that it would not be appropriate to announce only general holidays, as decisions should be taken according to the conditions of each area. Some schools will accommodate polling stations, so it is necessary to prepare them in advance. In this situation, decisions taken by the local administration and school administration will be helpful in running both elections and educational work smoothly.

As the date of election is approaching, teachers and school staff are trying to play their important role in the electoral process as well as to minimize the impact on educational work.

However Parents and students are advised to stay updated about holidays and other decisions based on local information provided by their school. As of now, this decision will be taken by local school authorities in liaison with the education department, depending upon the involvement of the schools and its teachers in the polling activity.