The Tamil Nadu state government has informed Madras high court that it has issued circulars directing all schools in the state to ensure that no homework is given to students, studying in classes up to the second standard.
On Tuesday, Government Pleader (education) Munuswamy produced a copy of the circular before Justice N. Kirubakaran when a petition relating to the syllabus of NCERT and CBSE schools, filed by advocate M. Puroshothaman came up for hearing. The judge had on May 29 among other things directed the authorities not to assign homework to students, studying in classes 1 and 2. In compliance of the order, the state government had on September 24 issued circulars to all the schools to ensure that no homework was given in classes up to 2nd standard. The school education authorities were directed to make a surprise check in all schools including CBSE and state board to see that the order of the court banning homework as well as restricting subjects were properly implemented.
A majority of CBSE schools in the city said they are already implementing Madras High Court's order and stopped giving home works to students up to class 2.
When enquired about the circular, S.Namasivayam, Senior Principal, Maharishi Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School said, "Our group of schools already implementing the order and not giving homework to students. While it has reduced the bag weight, we are also keeping some of the books in the schools for the students studying up to 8th standard to further reduce the load." P.G. Subramanian, principal of Bhavan's Rajaji Vidhyashram said the learning activities of students studying in class 1 and 2 have to be completed in the school itself. "They are too young to give the burden of homework. All the learning could take place in the school itself for them. The High Court order is a welcoming one. It has to be implemented by all schools," he said.