Summer Vacation in Schools of These States Extended Due To Severe Heatwave; Check Full List Here

New Delhi: In response to the ongoing intense heatwave across northern India, several states including Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Delhi have extended summer vacations for school students to provide relief amidst soaring temperatures. The decision comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued severe heat for the foreseeable future, prompting concerns over public health and safety. Read on to know the status of summer vacation in several states of India.

Uttar Pradesh Extends Summer Vacation:

• The Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board has announced an extension of summer vacations for students attending council schools. Originally scheduled to end on June 17, 2024, vacations will now continue until June 24, 2024, for council school students.
• Students up to Class 8 will now enjoy extended holidays until June 28, 2024, to mitigate the effects of the ongoing heatwave.

Chhattisgarh Schools Summer Vacation

• Similarly, the Chhattisgarh School Education Department has extended summer vacations until June 25, 2024, due to the severe heat conditions prevailing across the state. This decision aims to safeguard the health of students during the intense weather spell.

Other States' Measures:

• Delhi and Punjab had previously extended summer vacations until June 30, 2024, and continue to monitor the situation closely.
• Haryana has also closed all schools until June 30, 2024, to protect children from the scorching heat, with regular classes expected to resume from July 1, 2024.
• Rajasthan has implemented similar measures, keeping schools closed until June 30, 2024, to ensure students' safety amid the prevailing heatwave conditions.

Odisha Likely To Extend Summer Vacation in Schools

Nityananda Gond, the recently appointed Minister of School and Mass Education in Odisha, hinted on Sunday that the state government might consider extending summer vacations if the current weather conditions persist. Many regions across Odisha are still grappling with intense heatwaves, characterized by sweltering temperatures and stifling humidity, which have posed significant challenges to daily life.

Members of the Odisha State Secondary Teachers’ Association (OSSTA) have already appealed to the government to prolong the summer holidays until the onset of the monsoon, citing concerns over the adverse effects of the ongoing heatwave on students and teachers alike.

Concerns and Precautions:

• The decision to extend summer vacations underscores the severity of the heatwave, which has already claimed lives and caused widespread discomfort across the region.
• Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, and using cooling measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Bihar School Summer Vacations

• Bihar, while grappling with its own heatwave crisis, had previously ended summer vacations on June 15, 2024, with the state education department yet to announce any further extensions despite rising temperatures.
• Recent holidays were granted due to the scorching weather, following reports of several cases of sunstroke and related illnesses among schoolchildren.

The extended vacations aim to mitigate the health risks posed by the ongoing heatwave, emphasizing the importance of public health measures in times of extreme weather conditions. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, parents and students are advised to stay updated with local announcements and adhere to safety guidelines issued by health authorities.