After extended Dasara vacation, K'taka schools told to hold extra classes to recover lost time
Bengaluru: Following the extension of the Dasara vacation to facilitate the Social and Educational Survey, government and aided schools across Karnataka have been instructed to conduct additional classes to make up for the academic loss caused by the prolonged break.
The Department of School Education and Literacy has asked schools to hold one extra class each day to make up for the delay in completing the syllabus, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday.
The state government had extended the Dasara holidays by ten days to enable teachers to participate in the Social and Educational Survey. As a result, schools reopened only after Deepavali, leading to delays in syllabus coverage.
The loss of class hours has been greater in primary schools, which missed 74 hours of teaching, compared to 66 hours in high schools. The department has stated that each compensatory class should last 40 minutes for primary schools and 45 minutes for high schools.
Primary schools are reportedly required to hold additional classes until February 5, 2026, while high schools must do so until January 24, 2026. Schools have the flexibility to decide whether to conduct the extra class in the morning or evening.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly instructed the Principal Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy to issue an order directing schools to conduct additional classes, added DH.
Further, school managements have been advised to conduct special remedial classes between January and March for underperforming students who need additional academic support.
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Shivakumar says Hate Speech Bill to safeguard constitutional values, hits back at BJP
Belagavi (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that a bill to curb hate speech was to safeguard constitutional values and curb provocative political discourse.
He also hit out the opposition BJP for criticising the bill.
The state government on Wednesday tabled in the Assembly the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill that proposed a jail term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Speaking to reporters at the Belagavi Circuit House, Shivakumar said the opposition had no reason to object it.
"If the BJP refrains from indulging in hate speech, everything will be fine. They have been the pioneers of creating hostility, be it through caste-based, religious, or personal attacks," he said.
He argued that the bill aims to reinforce constitutional principles, countering the BJP's allegation that it is being introduced to target political opponents.
"Let the BJP conduct itself as per constitutional values. This legislation is meant to safeguard the Constitution," the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Speaking about Karnataka State Cricket Association's request to hold cricket matches at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is suspended following June 4 stampede that killed 13 people, Shivakumar confirmed that the issue would be taken up in Thursday's Cabinet meeting.
Calling the stampede at the stadium unfortunate, he said, "Such an incident should never have happened. Several mistakes have taken place and they must be rectified in line with proper guidelines. My only wish is that the reputation of Karnataka should not be tarnished."
