States where schools changed timings as heatwave sweeps India

As the rise in mercury and sweltering heat continues across the country, several states have changed the schools' timing. While some have shifted regular schools hours ahead and started schools as early as 7 in the morning, other states have postponed the classes, and some have announced early summer holidays.

Here is the list of states which have made changes due to the onging heatwave.

Bihar

The Met department's warning of intense heat during the next few days led the Patna district administration to direct all school authorities in the capital city to revise their timings. The administration has also issued guidelines to prevent incidences of heat stroke among students.

"The district administration prohibits the academic activities for all classes (including in pre-schools and anganwadi centers) after 11.45 am in all schools of the district. The school authorities are hereby directed to reschedule their timings of academic activities in conformity of the order. The order will come into force from April 15," said the order issued by Patna district magistrate Chandra Shekhar Singh on Friday.

Delhi

The Delhi government has issued an advisory to schools on preparedness for the ongoing summer season. In the guidelines, the government said that all schools in Delhi recognised under the directorate of education have to ensure that there is no student assembly in the schools during the afternoon shift.

"As the daytime temperature in Delhi crosses more than 40 degrees Celsius during the summer season this is detrimental to the health of the children and adolescents studying in schools. The rise in temperature in NCR has led to the increased instance of heat-related illness," the guidelines read.

The Delhi government said that all schools recognised under the Directorate of Education will have to ensure availability of drinking water to students. Students should be given water breaks during classes, the circular read.

In the circular the Directorate of Education also said that schools will have to sensitise students to cover their heads during the daytime. ""Sensitise students to cover their heads (use an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gears) during direct exposure to sunlight) when coming or leaving the school)," the circular also said.

Schools will also have to report to nearby hospital or health facility if any students has a case of heat-related illness, the circular also mentioned.

Odisha

The state government has decided to close all schools and Anganwadi centres till April 16. The decision has been taken in view of the heatwave. Considering the health of the students, the authorities have announced the closure for 5 days from April 12 to 16, 2023.