Kolkata: Ensuring a minimum of 200 to 210 instructional days in state-aided schools has become a pressing priority for the West Bengal school education department, which plans to consult teachers’ organisations before adjusting the academic holiday calendar.State school education minister Dipak Barman recently directed the newly formed syllabus-cum-curriculum committee to design curricula that can be completed within 200 to 210 lesson plans. A committee member confirmed that top-down decisions will be avoided, highlighting that final adjustments will only be made after gathering suggestions from teachers’ unions.While initial discussions explored curtailing summer or puja vacations, teachers across state-aided schools have pushed back against the narrative that they enjoy excessive leave. Comparing annual leave structures, educators pointed out that general state govt employees receive 208 days off—comprising 52 Sundays, 52 Saturdays, 45 govt holidays, 30 Earned Leaves (EL), 14 Casual Leaves (CL), and 15 medical leaves. Conversely, school teachers receive 146 days off, consisting of 52 Sundays, 65 govt holidays, 14 CLs, and 15 medical leaves.Chandan Maiti, general secretary of the Advanced Society for Headmasters and Headmistresses, urged the govt to review working days lost to state-declared holidays and non-teaching assignments like election, SIR, and census duties. “Most aided schools suffer from a severe teacher shortage; without filling these vacancies, increasing class hours makes no sense,” he said.Kinkar Adhikari, general secretary of the Sikshanuragi United Association, suggested restoring the earlier system where schools controlled around 80 holidays to suit local weather conditions, noting that hill schools require longer winter breaks rather than extended summer vacations. “If the government brings back this system, inappropriate holiday distribution can be curbed and classes can function smoothly. Moreover, teachers’ responsibilities are not limited merely to classroom teaching. They also have to complete the syllabus, evaluate exam papers, undergo training, and carry out various non-academic administrative duties,” he added.
