The public has been invited to submit feedback on a proposed amendment to the Education Act that would introduce home-schooling and require the academic year to begin in January.

The bill, submitted by Government-aligned Hulhudhoo constituency MP Dr Arana Naeem, was referred to a joint committee comprising the Parliament’s National Development and Heritage Committee and Social Affairs Committee for further review on Monday.

The joint committee decided at a meeting yesterday to open the bill for public consultation. The public can submit comments or proposed amendments to the committee by email or in writing to the Parliament Secretariat by 2 p.m. on 12 November.

Under the proposed amendments, the Ministry of Education would determine the academic year and school calendar in accordance with established principles. The academic year would begin in January, although classes must commence by the end of February if the January start is not possible.

The bill also requires the annual school calendar to include at least eight key elements, including the start and end dates of the academic year, teaching days, holidays, professional development days, examination periods, student enrolment and transfer periods, and school vacation dates.

It further proposes a minimum of 195 instructional days per academic year, excluding public holidays and school breaks. The calendar for the following academic year must also be announced before the current academic year ends.

Another key proposal is the introduction of home-schooling for students who cannot attend school due to disabilities, mental health conditions or other special circumstances. The provision would allow eligible students to receive education at home following an assessment of their needs.

The bill also seeks to clarify the roles of parents, teachers and school principals in the implementation of the education system and address challenges in enforcing the law.

Other proposed changes include requiring all government schools to provide free daily breakfast to students who have difficulty accessing breakfast during school hours.