Kota: Rajasthan Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar on Monday announced major reforms in the state's education system, including starting the new academic session from April 1 instead of July 1 and introducing a common uniform for students in both government and private schools.

Addressing a press conference, Dilawar said that since the administrative and financial year begins on April 1, the academic calendar will be aligned accordingly. The change, he added, will help students receive textbooks before the summer vacation, allowing them to study during the break.

Currently, the academic session in Rajasthan schools starts on July 1.

Dilawar also announced that parents will receive SMS alerts if their child is absent from school, using mobile numbers registered on the Shaladarpan portal. The system will be rolled out soon.

He directed that all officers in the departments of Education, Sanskrit Shiksha, and Panchayati Raj begin the day with the National Anthem and conclude it with the National Song, Vande Mataram.

From the upcoming session, students in government and private schools will wear similar uniforms without ties. The minister also said uniform identity cards for teachers in government schools will be introduced later.

The decision has received mixed reactions. Shikshak Sangh (Rashtriya) leader Mukesh Sharma welcomed the move, saying it will promote equality and smooth functioning. However, Rajasthan Private Schools Association General Secretary Lokesh Sukhwal termed the move “impractical,” citing differences in infrastructure and functioning between government and private schools.