Summer vacation 2024: Heatwave forces Punjab to reschedule summer holidays; other states that have changed summer holiday dates

The Punjab government on Monday announced summer holidays in all government, aided, and private schools from May 21 to June 30 amid severe heatwave conditions. Several areas in Punjab and Haryana are witnessing maximum temperatures in the 43-45 degrees Celsius range, reported PTI.In its order, the Education department said keeping in mind the warning issued by the weather office regarding heatwave conditions and the health of children, holidays are being declared in Punjab’s schools — government, aided and private. On Saturday, the department changed the school timing to keep classes open from 7 am till noon. This order was to be enforced till May 31. On Saturday, the department changed the school timing to keep classes open from 7 am till noon. This order was to be enforced till May 31.

The heatwave is currently affecting many states across India. According to the Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions will continue to persist in pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, East Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch for the next few days. These areas are facing high temperatures, often surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, posing significant health risks, especially for young children. Consequently, summer vacations have been rescheduled in these regions. Below is a breakdown of states where summer holidays have been announced earlier than usual:

Haryana
The Haryana Directorate of School Education has declared that all government and private schools in the state will observe summer vacation from June 1 to June 30, 2024. This announcement was made on May 17 and circulated across various educational authorities, including district education officers and school administrators. The directive also specifies that both government and private schools will resume classes on July 1, 2024.

Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the Education Department has announced a summer vacation from May 17 to June 30 for all government and private schools. The department has issued strict instructions to schools against conducting any additional classes during this period.Delhi
In the national capital, Delhi, the academic calendar had previously scheduled summer vacation from May 11 to June 30, in line with the city’s annual academic schedule.

Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has also adjusted its academic calendar due to the heatwave. As per directives from the State Education Board, summer vacation for all government and private school students began on May 1 and will continue until June 15.

(With inputs from agencies and TOI)