Noida schools shut for Classes 9 to 12 till further orders in view of heat wave

NEW DELHI: After announcing summer vacation for classes up to 8, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar has announced school closure for students of Classes 9 to 12 till further orders in view of extreme heat wave.

Secondary and senior secondary schools affiliated to all the boards including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), International Baccalaureate (IB) will remain closed for the higher classes.

“In view of the scorching heat and heat wave, as per the instructions of the District Magistrate, classes for students from classes 9 to 12 will remain completely closed in all the secondary/senior secondary schools of CBSE/CISCE/IB and other boards till further orders. All principals are directed to ensure compliance with the above orders,” said Dharamveer Singh, district school inspector, Gautam Buddha Nagar in an official order.

The announcement comes after parents criticized the administration for closing the schools for students of nursery till Class 8 only. Summer vacation has been announced in all schools up to Class 8 due to the heat wave.

Heatwave: Parents' demands for school closure

Demanding school closure for higher secondary classes, an X user said, “Respected DM Sir, red alert of heatwave has been issued and it can cause heat illness/stroke to people of any ages. So even students from class 9 - 12 are humans and this can affect them as well. There isn't much difference between students of class 8 and 9. So why till class 8 only?”

“Sir, you mean to say class 9th -12th kids don't feel that heat at 44 degrees. How is this possible Sir? It's a serious request... earlier summer vacation used to start around 15th to 17th May,” asked another user.

Calling the decision inappropriate, a user wrote, “Sir, it is not appropriate to close schools only up to class 8 in this extreme heat. Students from class 9 to 12 can also become victims of this scorching heat. You are requested to declare holiday for schools up to class 12 with immediate effect from tomorrow.”