In response to the severe heatwave sweeping across several regions of India, where temperatures have risen above 40 degrees Celsius, numerous state governments are taking proactive measures. To mitigate the impact of the soaring temperatures, many people are adjusting school schedules or advancingg and extending summer vacations.
The changes have been made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and faculty in the scorching heat.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this early heatwave to the El Nino phenomenon, which causes localised or widespread heatwave conditions throughout the country. As a result, authorities are choosing to either temporarily close schools, begin summer vacations ahead of schedule, or adjust school hours to better align with weather conditions.
Here is a list of states where classes have been suspended and the school has declared a holiday, or where class times have been changed to make students safer.
Bihar
The Patna district administration has implemented a ban on academic activities for Class 10 students from 10:30 am to 4 pm, including pre-schools and Anganwadi centres. Additionally, for Class 11 and 12, academic activities are restricted from 11:30 am to 4 pm due to the severe heatwave. This directive is in effect from May 1 to May 8, as requested by the district magistrate.
Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh government has announced a summer break from April 22 to June 15 in response to the severe heatwave conditions. This decision aims to address the health concerns of students during this period. Preventive measures outlined in the circular include restrictions on outdoor activities in the afternoons, provision of clean drinking water, and ensuring access to first-aid supplies.
Jharkhand
In response to the extreme heatwave conditions, the Jharkhand Department of School Education and Literacy has announced the closure of all schools up to Class 8. For classes 9 to 12, timings have been adjusted to 7 am to 11:30 am until further notice. This decision aims to safeguard students from adverse health effects. Outdoor activities, including prayers and sports, are also suspended temporarily. However, teachers and non-teaching staff are not included in this closure.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the government has declared an early summer break for all schools, including government, aided, and non-aided ones. The break will start on April 22 and last until June 15 to ensure the well-being of students during the intense heatwave. Previously scheduled to begin on May 1, this early closure does not impact teachers.
Meghalaya
The deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya has suspended classes for nursery and pre-primary schools on April 29 and 30. Timings for primary, secondary, and higher secondary students have been adjusted from 6:30 am to 10:30 am until May 1, while night shift schools continue to operate as usual.
Tripura
The Tripura Education department has closed schools from April 24 to May 1, advising people to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated. This precautionary measure is taken to protect students and staff from the scorching temperatures during the heatwave.
West Bengal
West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu has advanced the summer holidays for government and government-aided schools to commence from April 22 due to the prevailing heatwave, except in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Originally scheduled to start from May 6, this decision was made to protect students from the harsh weather conditions. Private schools are also advised to adjust their vacation accordingly.
(Inputs have been taken from various media reports. Please refer to official sources for up to date information)
The changes have been made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and faculty in the scorching heat.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this early heatwave to the El Nino phenomenon, which causes localised or widespread heatwave conditions throughout the country. As a result, authorities are choosing to either temporarily close schools, begin summer vacations ahead of schedule, or adjust school hours to better align with weather conditions.
Here is a list of states where classes have been suspended and the school has declared a holiday, or where class times have been changed to make students safer.
Bihar
The Patna district administration has implemented a ban on academic activities for Class 10 students from 10:30 am to 4 pm, including pre-schools and Anganwadi centres. Additionally, for Class 11 and 12, academic activities are restricted from 11:30 am to 4 pm due to the severe heatwave. This directive is in effect from May 1 to May 8, as requested by the district magistrate.
Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh government has announced a summer break from April 22 to June 15 in response to the severe heatwave conditions. This decision aims to address the health concerns of students during this period. Preventive measures outlined in the circular include restrictions on outdoor activities in the afternoons, provision of clean drinking water, and ensuring access to first-aid supplies.
Jharkhand
In response to the extreme heatwave conditions, the Jharkhand Department of School Education and Literacy has announced the closure of all schools up to Class 8. For classes 9 to 12, timings have been adjusted to 7 am to 11:30 am until further notice. This decision aims to safeguard students from adverse health effects. Outdoor activities, including prayers and sports, are also suspended temporarily. However, teachers and non-teaching staff are not included in this closure.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the government has declared an early summer break for all schools, including government, aided, and non-aided ones. The break will start on April 22 and last until June 15 to ensure the well-being of students during the intense heatwave. Previously scheduled to begin on May 1, this early closure does not impact teachers.
Meghalaya
The deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya has suspended classes for nursery and pre-primary schools on April 29 and 30. Timings for primary, secondary, and higher secondary students have been adjusted from 6:30 am to 10:30 am until May 1, while night shift schools continue to operate as usual.
Tripura
The Tripura Education department has closed schools from April 24 to May 1, advising people to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated. This precautionary measure is taken to protect students and staff from the scorching temperatures during the heatwave.
West Bengal
West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu has advanced the summer holidays for government and government-aided schools to commence from April 22 due to the prevailing heatwave, except in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Originally scheduled to start from May 6, this decision was made to protect students from the harsh weather conditions. Private schools are also advised to adjust their vacation accordingly.
(Inputs have been taken from various media reports. Please refer to official sources for up to date information)
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