Is it legal for schools to hold "special classes" during government holidays

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Conducting ‘special classes’ in schools during the two-month summer vacation has been forbidden by the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) in a circular. There is an exemption for conducting summer camps, provided there is permission from the authorities concerned.
The other day, taking a strong stand against the practice of organizing classes during the vacations, the DPI directed government, aided and unaided schools do not conduct ‘any sort of classes’ during the time. The circular is also applicable to schools following the CBSE and CISCE syllabuses.
“Strict instruction has been given to headmasters and school managers to comply with the circular.“They were asked to not conduct any sort of classes for lower primary, upper primary and high school students. Disciplinary action will be initiated against those who flout the said circular,” reads an excerpt from the circular. The circular which stresses the need of summer vacation for the physical and mental wellbeing of school students further highlights the conduct of such classes in April and May, which is marked by scorching summer and drinking water scarcity, might take a toll on the health of children.
“If any child falls prey to heat-related problems during such special classes during vacation time, then the respective school management/ headmaster/teachers will be held accountable for such mishaps,” reads the circular.
Meanwhile, an exemption has been made in the conduct of summer camps for children by schools, after the DPI started to receive a number of requests for the same. While stipulating the duration of such camps as seven days, the circular makes it mandatory to ensure prior permission from the District Education Office/Sub-District Education Office before organizing such camps.