– Reshma Ravishanker

Karnataka’s Department of School Education and Literacy has warned of strict action against government officials or local body members who assign non-academic duties to teachers or students during school hours.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, Rashmi Mahesh, principal secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, stated that no teacher or student should be involved in non-teaching or academic activities during school hours on working days.

This directive is part of a series of measures the department is implementing to improve learning outcomes and board exam performance among students in Karnataka. 

“To boost learning outcomes and improve overall results in government schools, it is essential that teachers and headmasters remain available on the school premises. Therefore, a set of guidelines has been proposed for all Deputy Directors of Public Instruction, Block Education Officers, headmasters, and teachers to follow,” the circular states.

The circular also reiterates that, according to the Right to Education Act of 2009, conditions must support continuous teaching and learning for both teachers and students during designated school hours.

Teachers and principals will not be involved in workshops, video conferences, training sessions, or other activities on working days. They are also not permitted to undertake other tasks as “On Official Duty” (OOD) during school hours. “Any government officials visiting schools during class hours must ensure that their presence does not disrupt teaching,” the circular adds.

Furthermore, it directs that students are not to be taken outside the school during school hours for any activity, whether as participants or as an audience.

Examinations such as the KPSC or other board exams, which are often conducted in government schools, will no longer be allowed during regular school hours. If government schools are to be used as exam centres, such exams must now be scheduled during government holidays, summer vacation, or designated non-instructional days.

Additionally, teachers must not be assigned any data entry tasks, be it for private entities or other stakeholders during work hours. 

The department has warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any district-level officers, block education officers, DIET principals, or headmasters found violating these directives.

Also read: Karnataka boosts industry-linked education