Summer Holiday: Odisha schools to shut from April 27 amid heatwave; Delhi, UP, Jharkhand revise timings

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced summer vacation in schools from April 27, in view of the prevailing heat wave conditions. Majhi made the announcement on the recommendation of the School and Mass Education Department, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office.

Examinations, census works, and other official activities will continue as per schedule, it said. School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said summer vacations usually start on May 6 and continue till June 17. "However, considering the existing heat wave condition, summer vacation has been announced earlier," he said.

The move comes amid a broader trend across several states adjusting school timings, declaring holidays, or advancing summer vacations due to rising temperatures. States like Assam, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand have also taken precautionary steps, including revising school hours or temporarily shutting institutions, as heatwave alerts continue in many regions.

Also read Odisha issues heatwave guidelines; directs schools to ensure water supply, limit outdoor activities

Several states have adjusted school schedules in response to the ongoing heatwave. In Jharkhand, government primary and secondary schools are now operating from 7 am to 1 pm, replacing the earlier 9 am to 3 pm routine.

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities in Prayagraj have revised timings for Classes 1 to 8, with schools now running from 7:30 am to 12 noon. The new schedule came into effect on April 20 and applies to all recognised schools in the district.

With temperatures climbing, schools in Delhi have been asked to take extra precautions to protect students from the heat. As part of new guidelines issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), schools must ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes to remind children to stay hydrated. They have also been advised to follow a “buddy system,” where students keep an eye on each other for any signs of heat-related discomfort.

Also read Patna school timings change amid heatwave; classes end at 12:30 pm

The directions apply to government, aided, and private recognised schools across the capital. The move comes after the India Meteorological Department flagged the possibility of a heatwave and difficult weather conditions in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in Satna, both government and private schools are holding classes between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm. Teachers, however, are required to remain on campus until 1:30 pm.

(Inputs from PTI)