As the new academic session 2024-25 kicks off across the country, announcements regarding summer vacations in schools have been made due to the consistent heatwave and rising temperatures. In many states, schools will remain closed either from April or May. Typically, summer vacations start in May, but this year, considering changing weather patterns and the health of students, decisions to close schools earlier have been made. Additionally, changes in school timings have been implemented in some places to allow for morning classes. Let’s explore which states have declared summer breaks and the adjustments made in school schedules.
Maharashtra/Chhattisgarh/West Bengal: Commencement of Summer Vacations
In Maharashtra, summer vacations began on April 18, and schools will reopen on June 15. However, schools in the Vidarbha region will reopen on June 30, 2024. It’s worth noting that heavy rainfall is expected in July and August in Maharashtra, leading to additional holidays.
Chhattisgarh’s state government announced summer vacations from April 22 to June 15, 2024, for all government, aided, and private schools. Previously, vacations were scheduled from May 1 to June 15, but a new order has been issued considering changing weather conditions.
Similarly, the government of West Bengal declared summer vacations from April 22 for all government and government-aided schools. However, teachers and non-teaching staff will also have holidays, except for those involved in election-related duties. The orders do not apply to Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, where classes will continue as per the designated schedule until further notice.
Bihar: Summer Vacation and Change in School Timings in Patna
In Bihar, there haven’t been any changes to the dates of summer vacations. According to the Bihar Education Department’s vacation calendar, government schools will observe summer vacations from April 15 to May 15. During this period, students will be given homework by teachers to continue studying during the break. However, the district administration in Patna has modified school timings. From April 20 to April 30, classes for nursery to 10th grade will be held from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while classes for 11th and 12th grades will continue as per the regular schedule.
Jharkhand and Patna: Change in School Timings
In Jharkhand, school timings have been adjusted due to increasing temperatures. From April 22, classes for kindergarten to 8th grade will be conducted from 7 AM to 11:30 AM, and for 9th to 12th grade, classes will be held until 12 PM.
Similarly, the district administration in Patna has altered school timings. From April 20 to April 30, classes for nursery to 10th grade will be held from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while classes for 11th and 12th grades will continue as per the regular schedule.
Odisha: Commencement of Summer Vacation
Considering the rising temperatures and children’s health, the Odisha government has announced summer vacations starting from April 25 in all schools. Schools will function from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM until April 24. Earlier, vacations were declared from April 18 to 20 due to the heatwave, and now, the summer breaks have been extended.
Delhi-NCR and Madhya Pradesh: Summer Vacations from May
In Delhi, summer vacations for schools will be observed from May 11 to June 30, 2024 (Sundays included). However, teachers will have to attend schools from June 28 to June 30 for essential work.
In Madhya Pradesh, summer vacations will commence from May 1. All schools will remain closed until June 15, 2024. During this period, all academic activities will be suspended. Additionally, teachers will have summer vacations from May 1 to May 31, 2024.
As the scorching heat prevails in many parts of the country, the early declaration of summer vacations and adjustments in school schedules are aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of students. By taking proactive measures and altering timings, authorities are ensuring that education continues while minimizing the risk of heat-related illnesses.