As temperatures soar across India, several state governments have revised school schedules to protect students from the extreme heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for multiple regions, prompting authorities to implement precautionary measures.
Revised School Timings Across States
Uttar Pradesh: In Noida, government and aided schools have announced summer vacations from May 20 to June 30. Private schools have also adjusted their schedules, with junior classes starting holidays as early as May 16. Summer camps are permitted between 7 AM and 10 AM to avoid peak heat hours.
Punjab: Despite temperatures exceeding 41°C in several districts, schools are expected to follow the usual summer vacation schedule, likely beginning in the third week of May and ending on July 1. However, schools have been advised to limit outdoor activities to ensure student safety.
Bihar: In Patna, the district administration mandated that all academic activities conclude by 11:30 AM, effective from May 12, to protect children’s health during extreme heat.
Jharkhand: The state government revised school timings, with classes for nursery to Class VIII running from 7 AM to 11:30 AM, and Classes IX to XII from 7 AM to 12 noon. This change aims to safeguard students amid rising temperatures.
Haryana: In districts like Sirsa and Fatehabad, Classes I to VIII will operate from 7 AM to 12 noon. Mahendragarh has extended this timing to all classes up to XII.
Bhaskar English
Maharashtra: The School Education Department ordered all schools to function only in the morning, with primary schools operating from 7:00 AM to 11:15 AM and secondary schools until 11:45 AM.
Government Advisories
The Ministry of Education and state health departments have issued guidelines to mitigate heat-related risks:
- Avoid outdoor activities post 10:00 AM.
- Ensure availability of cool drinking water on campus.
- Encourage students to wear light, cotton clothing.
- Use fans and maintain well-ventilated classrooms.
- Regularly announce health safety measures.
These measures aim to prioritize children’s health and safety during the ongoing heatwave.
