Maharashtra Schools to Reopen on June 15 and Not April 15; Clarifies Education Commissioner

In a clear and decisive announcement, Maharashtra’s Education Commissioner, Sachindra Pratap Singh, has put an end to the speculation surrounding school reopening dates. Contrary to earlier media reports, schools in the state will not reopen on April 15. Instead, they will welcome students back on June 15, 2024, for the 2024-25 academic year.

The clarification comes after widespread confusion sparked by discussions around the State Curriculum Framework for School Education (SCF-SE). The framework had proposed aligning Maharashtra’s academic calendar with the CBSE schedule, shifting from the traditional June-April cycle to an April-March cycle. However, this proposal faced significant pushback from teachers’ unions and educators across the state.

Critics argued that adopting the CBSE calendar without considering Maharashtra’s unique social, cultural, and geographical factors would create practical challenges. One major concern was the timing of exams, which typically conclude in March, leaving little time for students to receive textbooks and prepare for the new academic year if schools were to reopen in April. Additionally, teacher transfers, which occur after April, would further disrupt the transition.

Extreme heat in regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada also played a role in the decision. Many schools in these areas lack proper infrastructure to handle the scorching summer temperatures, making an April reopening impractical.

While some educators supported the proposed shift, citing benefits like earlier revision time and better preparation for students, others emphasized the cultural significance of the current academic schedule. The existing calendar aligns with local festivals, fairs, and weddings, and changing it could disrupt important events like Diwali breaks and winter sports.

For now, the state has decided to stick with the June 15 reopening date, putting an end to the debate—at least for this academic year. The discussion around aligning with the CBSE calendar, however, remains ongoing, with some suggesting a phased pilot approach before any statewide implementation.