Karnataka: School Timings in Bengaluru likely to be changed to ease traffic

The Karnataka government intends to change the start times of Bengaluru schools in order to reduce traffic congestion. The education department of the state has called a meeting with stakeholders to review school schedules. On October 5th, the Karnataka Education Department will hold another meeting with the Association of Private Schools, the Association of School Vehicles, and parents to discuss school schedules.

"The state government, through the secretary of school education and higher education, may call a meeting of stakeholders such as representatives of private/government institutions, school bus operators, parents' associations, and take up the issue of revising school timings so as to ease traffic, while also considering the security and safety of children," the bench of Chief Justice Prasanna Varale and Justice Krishna Dixit said in the order.

School administrators, private transporters, and parents, on the other hand, are sceptical of the change, claiming that it will harm children's and parents' physical and mental well-being. Instead of adjusting school hours, parents, schools, and other stakeholders advised stationing extra police officers at important traffic intersections near schools to help decongest the roadways, according to the report.

Any changes in school times, according to Shashi Kumar D, general secretary of the Associated Management of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), are likely to make things worse for parents and students. Typically, everyday activities in households begin around 4.30 a.m., but if the timings alter, parents may have to cut their sleep time short, which may result in sleep deprivation.