“The new instructions of the Education Department are tantamount to cruelty and hooliganism towards children and teachers. I will speak to the Chief Minister and ask him to intervene on behalf of students, teachers and parents,” Gyanu said.

On Friday, former Congress state president Madan Mohan Jha had also written a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to intervene in this matter.

“It is not possible for students or teachers to go to school at 6 am. It is also a bad idea for students to leave school at noon due to heavy surf. Their chances of falling ill will increase,” Gyanu said.

On the instructions of Additional Chief Secretary KK Pathak, the Education Department has directed to open all government schools from 6 am to 1.30 pm.

“Teaching work will take place from 6 am to 12 noon and teachers will have to remain in school till 1.30 pm,” the new government said.

Earlier the school timings for both students and teachers were 6.30 am to 11.30 am.

The education department has also reduced the number of summer vacations.