As temperatures soar and heatwaves sweep across various states in India, governments of states like Tripura, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar have declared summer holidays for both government and private schools from April. Additionally, schools in Uttar Pradesh, which had already commenced classes in April, have adjusted their schedules.
Announcements Across Different States
- Tripura: Schools, including government, aided, and privately managed ones, will remain closed from April 29th to May 1st. Under the TTAADC, schools in the tribal areas of Tripura will also be closed for an additional three days.
- Puducherry: In response to the intense heat, all private and government schools in Puducherry will be closed from April 29th to June 5th, with schools scheduled to reopen on June 6th. The Meteorological Department forecasts minimum temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius in the state during this period.
- Punjab: Government offices, schools, colleges, and other government institutions in Punjab will remain closed on May 1st, observed as Labor Day. This day has been included in the official list of holidays for the year 2024.
- Uttar Pradesh: Starting April 29th, the timing for all government and private schools in Uttar Pradesh has been changed to 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Similarly, the timing for madrasas has been adjusted to 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Additionally, April 27th has been declared a holiday for teachers, officials, and staff involved in election duties, while all other staff are required to report to work. There will also be a holiday for BLOs.
Impact of Heatwaves
The announcements reflect concerns about the health and safety of students amid rising temperatures. The adjustments aim to ensure that students, teachers, and staff can avoid the harsh midday heat during the peak summer months.
These changes in school schedules are a proactive measure by state governments to mitigate the effects of extreme weather conditions on students and school staff. By providing timely breaks and adjusting timings, authorities are prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved in the education system during the challenging summer season.