The Government has submitted a bill to Parliament proposing that the academic year in the Maldives begin in January each year.

The bill, submitted by Huraa MP Dr Anaara Naeem on behalf of the Government, received its first reading at today’s parliamentary sitting.

Under the proposed amendments to the Education Act, the academic calendar will be set by the Ministry of Education, with the academic year required to begin in January. If this is not possible, classes must commence by the end of February.

The calendar must include at least 195 teaching days, excluding public holidays and school holidays, and cover examination dates, professional development days, school enrolment and transfer periods, and other key dates.

The bill also proposes introducing a homeschooling programme for children unable to attend school due to physical, psychological or other special circumstances, subject to an assessment of their needs.

Other proposed changes include clarifying the roles of parents, teachers and principals in the education system and providing free daily breakfast at government schools for students who have difficulty accessing meals.