Bihar, Maharashtra revise school timings amid heatwave

Several states have revised school timings and extended summer vacations as heatwave conditions continue to affect different parts of the country. In response to the extreme heat, authorities are taking precautionary measures to protect students from high temperatures. Maharashtra, Bihar, and several other states have also announced changes to academic schedules due to rising temperatures.

In Maharashtra, the district administrations of Latur and Nanded have directed schools to operate during morning hours due to high temperatures and humidity. Officials said the decision was taken to safeguard students' health.

According to district authorities, all schools in Latur have been asked to function in the morning shift after concerns were raised about students experiencing health issues due to the prevailing weather conditions. The order was issued under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act.

An official said the change in timings was made to ensure students remain healthy amid the ongoing heatwave. The district has also been facing drinking water shortages in several rural areas. Teachers' organisations had earlier urged the Zilla Parishad administration to revise school schedules in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

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In the neighbouring Nanded district, Collector Rahul Kardile on Sunday directed all schools and junior colleges to function from 8 am to 12.30 pm until further orders.

School reopen timings

In Bihar, the Education Department has revised school timings for secondary and higher secondary schools across the state. The new schedule came into effect on June 22 and will remain in force until June 30.

According to the Directorate of Secondary Education, schools will operate from 6.30 am to 12.30 pm. Morning prayer and assembly will be held from 6.30 am to 7 am, followed by regular classes conducted in 40-minute periods. For primary school students, the break and lunch break will be from 9 am to 9.40 am. The final teaching period will end at 12.20 pm, after which teachers and school authorities will spend 10 minutes reviewing lessons, planning for the next day, and checking homework.

The department has authorised District Magistrates (DMs) to take additional measures in response to the situation based on local weather conditions. DMs may further modify school operations, if required, to ensure student safety.

Earlier, Odisha extended its summer vacation until June 18. Announcing the decision, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond directed both government and private schools to remain closed until the revised reopening date.

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Uttar Pradesh has also extended its summer vacation till June 24, with regular classes scheduled to resume on June 25. The state government said the decision was taken keeping in mind children's safety, health and access to quality education amid rising temperatures.

Apart from Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, states including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Punjab have also announced revised schedules for government and private schools due to the prevailing heatwave conditions.