Shimla, March 5 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Government has allowed CBSE-affiliated government senior secondary schools facing infrastructure constraints to operate in two shifts to address the growing enrolment pressure.
According to the Directorate of School Education, the decision was taken after it was observed that admissions in several CBSE-affiliated government schools have risen significantly across the state.
During a virtual meeting held on February 25 with school principals and members of School Management Committees (SMCs), concerns were raised about limited infrastructure and the need to accommodate all eligible students seeking admission.
It was decided that schools may temporarily operate in double shifts to address the growing enrolment pressure and ensure that no eligible student is denied admission due to shortage of classrooms or section limits.
Under the new guidelines, schools would not be allowed to run in two shifts if creation of additional sections is permissible under CBSE by-laws or if infrastructure expansion is feasible within a reasonable time.
Where adequate infrastructure becomes available — through building expansion, merger, or use of nearby government buildings — schools must initiate the process of adding more sections instead of running the school in two shifts.
If these options are not feasible, schools may operate with primary classes in the morning shift and senior secondary classes in the evening shift, ensuring smooth academic functioning, safety, and sanitation.
The Directorate has clarified that the arrangement is temporary and subject to periodic review. Schools must strictly comply with operational guidelines and ensure effective implementation until further orders. The directive has come into immediate effect.
Many schools in the state having large number of students under Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education also operate in double shift.
Since around 130 schools have switched to the CBSE, they are expected to attract higher enrolment, which has forced the authorities to allow them to operate in two shifts.
