In a move to reduce the burden on children, on May 30, the Madras High Court had instructed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to cut the weight of school kids and do away with homework for classes 1 and 2. The court even asked the board to set up flying squads in schools to check if there is any violation of its order. As the order was still not followed, on August 20, the Madras HC has directed CBSE to publicly notify its affiliated schools to either follow the court’s instruction and implement the ban homework for classes I and II or be ready to face stringent action. Relief for Class I & II Students in TN as Madras High Court Bans Homework. 

While referring to the Government orders, Justice N Kirubakaran had earlier informed the centre to direct the state governments and governments of Union Territories to formulate a ‘Children School Bag Policy’ reducing the weight of the schoolbags in line with the guidelines issued by Telangana and Maharashtra. Observing that CBSE’s circular about the ban may not serve any purpose unless the public was made aware of it and encouraged to lodge complaints; HC orders to publicise it through advertisement.

The Madras HC has been dealing with CBSE for not following the court order. Quoting media reports, on August 10, the court slammed the board for not issuing any circular to its affiliated schools and implement the court’s order. Justice N Kirubakaran stated, “ The Central Board of Secondary Education has not understood the seriousness of this case and the directions issued by the court. CBSE authorities think they are like CBI but that's not so.” CBSE Bans Late Entry in the Exam Hall! 

In addition, the court directed CBSE, the regional officer of CBSE and the Association of Management of Private Schools to prescribe and use NCERT books only following a petition by advocate M Purushothaman. He moved the Madras High Court questioning why class 1 and class 2 students are given more subjects than what is arranged by NCERT.

Speaking to CNN News 18, he was quoted as saying, “When NCERT is giving such well researched books, why are private CBSE schools forcing children to buy private publishers’ books. In General Knowledge book, children are asked to identify celebrities, including Rajinkanth. Since private schools are charging more and they don’t have experienced teachers, they are not able to comprehend students. This is spoiling the entire education system.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2018 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).