Bihar Introduces Odd- Even Rule for Classrooms

Bihar Government has resolved to the odd even rule to solve the problem of heavy shortage of infrastructure in the schools. The lack of classrooms and infrastructure has made many schools either running shifts or are teaching the students in alternate days.

Some schools despite of being co-education schools, are scheduling different timing for boys and girls. This model/ solution is said to be inspired by the recently introduced ‘odd-even’ formula of car transportation to curb down pollution and congestion in Delhi roads by CM Arvind Kejriwal.

One such school named MD High School at Kanhauli near Baniapur in Saran, is running classes for boys and girls in alternate days. The school administration though said that the entire syllabus is covered even during this short period as academic session for both the genders.

The District Education Officer Awadeshi Bihari of Saran said, “Shortage of classrooms and more than 3000 students on the school rolls are the main reasons behind taking classes on alternate days. Many schools are facing shortage of rooms and we are trying to improve the situation. We expect things will start improving in the coming days.” He further said that he has directed the headmasters of various schools to submit proposals for construction of additional classrooms, if needed to him.

Quite a few schools in Chapra district are running different schools in shifts at a single building. Many are either on rent or are running in the private premises of people. “It’s a fine example of odd-even system to decongest schools” some of the teachers said. The kids do not seem to bother much about the ongoing system as they have to attend just three days a week in their schools with Sundays being a common holiday.