Latest news with #RajeshPillai
Time of India
07-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
CBSE: 75% attendance for students non-negotiable
Ranchi: City schools are now focusing on starting awareness campaigns for parents about the 75% compulsory school attendance rule for their children, in line with the latest directive issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In its standard operating procedure (SOP) for all affiliated institutes, CBSE emphasised strict adherence to attendance norms, especially for Class X and XII students appearing for board examinations. Experts said the SOP mandates that schools must inform students and their parents about the attendance policies and consequences from the beginning of an academic session. Moreover, schools are required to contact parents of irregular students frequently and formally notify them through post or email if the attendance drops below the required benchmark. The board may send inspection teams to conduct surprise checks in schools towards achieving this goal, the experts said. These checks will involve examination of attendance registers, which must bear the signatures of both class teachers and principals. Any discrepancy could result in the cancellation of a student's board exam or even revocation of the school's affiliation under the CBSE norms. While the 75% attendance rule remains non-negotiable, CBSE has listed exemptions for students facing genuine circumstances such as prolonged illness, bereavement, participation in national sports tournaments, or family emergencies. Students seeking relaxation must submit documentary proof to the CBSE regional office. As a step to inform the parents, schools used parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) as platforms to reinforce the importance of attendance and explain the possible consequences. "We counsel students about attendance requirements at the beginning of the session and during PTMs. If a student remains absent frequently, it is the teacher's responsibility to contact parents. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We will continue to strictly adhere to the board's guidelines," said Rajesh Pillai, the principal of Kerali School. Similarly, the principal of Gurunanak Higher Secondary School, Sumit Kaur, said, "This is not a one-time effort; it's a continuous and ongoing process in our school. We regularly conduct awareness drives, counselling sessions, and follow-up measures."
Time of India
12-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Schools take steps to curb student accidents
1 2 Ranchi : Central Board of Secondary Schools across city have stepped effort for awareness and enforce stricter measures on road safety among students. Responding to CBSE's new directive, educational institutions are stepping up their commitment to instill safe commuting habits and responsible road behavior from a young age. This campaign is the specially composed Road Safety Anthem Parwah Karenge, Surakshit Rahenge" which is to be be played during morning assemblies in CBSE-affiliated schools. Principal of Firayalal Public School, Niraj Kumar Sinha, said, " The anthem is intended to serve as a daily reminder for students to prioritize safety while commuting. " In addition to this, schools plans to start screening short films and documentaries on traffic rules, pedestrian safety, and accident prevention. As per the experts, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) initiated this campaign after reviewing national accident data, which showed over 1.8 lakh road fatalities last year, with more than 10,000 victims under the age of 18. Over 11,000 deaths were reported near schools and educational institutions. Rajesh Pillai, Principal of Kerala School, Dhurwa, said, "While schools have always run occasional awareness drives, the structured approach from the board has added greater momentum. It's crucial to make students not just academically prepared but also road-aware." To further extend the outreach, schools have been instructed to share road safety films and advisories through WhatsApp groups and digital platforms, ensuring that parents too become active participants in reinforcing safe practices. Messages such as "Don't Rush", "Come Slowly", and "School of Road Safety" are being widely circulated. Beyond awareness, strict regulations are being enforced. Many schools have banned students from bringing two-wheelers without a valid driving licence.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
City CBSE schools to introduce positive affirmations in assemblies for students' mental, social wellbeing
Ranchi: Several CBSE affiliated schools in the city will soon include positive affirmations in their morning assemblies. The move, introduced by the CBSE, is aimed at mental wellness of the students and their socio-emotional developments, educationalists said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The CBSE has advised all its affiliated schools to introduce short affirmations each morning. The affirmations will be age-appropriate and recited in both English and Hindi to ensure clarity and inclusivity. Principal of Kairali School, Rajesh Pillai, said, "In today's fast-paced and digitally driven world, students face a lot of internal stress. Beginning the day with positive affirmations will help students feel centred, calm, and confident." The CBSE advisory states that such affirmations support clarity, focus, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Principal of Firayalal Public School, Niraj Kumar Sinha, said, "The affirmations such as 'I am always happy,' 'I am calm and stable in every situation,' 'I respect everyone,' 'I respect nature,' 'I use gadgets only for studying,' will be used to make students feel positive and valued." Principal of Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali, Samarjit Jana, said, "We are already designing a list of meaningful affirmations aligned with our school's core values. We will involve students in the process to ensure they relate to what they are saying each morning." Academic coordinator at Oxford Public School, Ravi Shekhar, said, "This initiative is about more than just words and is about changing mindsets and building resilience from a young age. I believe it will transform the morning assembly into a more emotionally nurturing experience." Mental health professionals have also welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to address the rising levels of anxiety and low self-esteem observed among school-age children. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dr Bhoomika Sachacher, consultant clinical psychologist, said, "The affirmations reflect empathy, courage, discipline, and self-worth to nurture emotionally strong, reflective, and confident individuals who are ready not just for academic success, but also to navigate life with a healthy mindset. Students face many times of fear, like competition and examinations; these positive affirmations will help them. "
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Schools ban plastics, urge students to adopt eco-friendly alternatives
Ranchi: Various schools across the city have strictly enforced no-plastic rules within their campuses to ensure environmental sustainability. From classrooms to canteens, plastic is now off-limits, and students are being actively encouraged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives as part of a broader mission to reduce plastic waste and instil environmentally conscious behaviour from an early age. Educational institutions are now viewing environmental education as a way towards sustainable development. Schools have not only banned plastic water bottles, pencil boxes, and carry bags, but some have gone a step further by disallowing chocolates on campus, as they often come wrapped in plastic packaging. At many schools, canteens have adopted sustainable serving practices where food is now served in paper containers or steel plates, eliminating single-use plastics altogether. Disposable plastic spoons, straws, and containers have been replaced with biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Academic coordinator at Oxford Public School, Ravi Shekhar, said, "Children are the best agents of change. When they stop bringing plastic bottles or snacks wrapped in plastic, it influences parents as well. This habit, once developed in school, will shape their outlook towards sustainability for life." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In addition to bans, schools organise awareness campaigns, debates, poster-making competitions, and cleanliness drives through the eco club. These programmes aim to engage students and educate them about the dangers of plastic pollution, microplastics, and the importance of the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Principal of Kairali School, Rajesh Pillai, said, "This is not a temporary campaign. Through the eco club, various activities are being organised from time to time. By banning plastic and encouraging alternatives, we are preparing our students not just for exams, but for a future where sustainability will be a key survival skill."
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
CBSE schools to introduce blood sugar tests for students
1 2 Ranchi: Schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are preparing to implement a new health initiative aimed at monitoring and reducing sugar intake among students. Following a recent circular from the CBSE, all affiliated institutions have been directed to establish ' Sugar Monitoring Boards ' and conduct regular blood sugar check-ups as part of a broader campaign to combat childhood obesity , type 2 diabetes , and other lifestyle-related health issues. Schools conduct eye, dental, weight, and height check-ups, but starting this academic year, sugar testing will also be added to the list. According to school authorities, the implementation will begin soon after the summer vacation. Principal of Vikas Vidayalaya, P S Kalra, said, "We already have a 16-bed hospital within our campus, as ours is a boarding school, and all essential healthcare facilities are available to students around the clock. In line with CBSE's recent directive, we will now be adding blood sugar testing to our regular health check-up list to ensure early detection and better health management." According to educationalists, this initiative is in line with recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Rajesh Pillai, principal of Kairali School, said, "Our school's health committee regularly monitors students' height and weight as part of routine check-ups. Now, we're also adding sugar level testing to ensure a more comprehensive health assessment. This will help us identify early signs of metabolic issues and guide parents accordingly." The CBSE guideline said, "Studies have shown that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4 to 10 years, and 15% for those aged 11 to 18 years, far exceeding the recommended limit of 5%."
