The Board of Intermediate Education (BIE) has banned special classes for students in junior colleges during the summer vacation, which extends from March 28 to May 31. It warned the managements of private and corporate junior colleges of “severe consequences” if they run classes in violation of its directive. It has been common practice for private and corporate junior colleges across the state to conduct special classes every year during the summer vacation in order to push students to attain top ranks in the IIT-JEE, AIEEE, Eamcet, VITSAT, JIPMER and other entrance examinations. The colleges then publicise the ‘toppers’ from their colleges in order to attract new students.
Educationists and psychologists strongly recommend that students take a break from studies during the holidays. “Our science exams concluded on March 16. But we are attending special classes from 8 am to 4 pm from March 17. We were not given a single holiday so far except on Ugadi. Our college officials have asked us to attend classes till May 10 to prepare for Eamcet,” said B. Mallika, a student of a corporate college in Narayanaguda. Students’ unions have been taking up the issue with the BIE every year but in vain.
“We have been regularly alerting the BIE about corporate colleges holding special classes during holidays. They just conduct raids for the sake of it, but no action has been initiated against any college till now,” said Mr J. Kalyan, ABVP city leader. The BIE may be prepared to act more forcefully now. BIE secretary M. Subramanyam, said, “All principals have been asked to adhere to the vacation schedule strictly. The college premises should not be used for any other purpose during the summer vacation. We will conduct surprise raids and any violations will be viewed seriously. Action will be initiated against the erring managements and principals.”
The BIE is planning to withhold the results of students in colleges that violate the rule and will impose a penalty of up to `5 lakh on the college.