In response to the severe heatwave affecting several parts of the country, the Chhattisgarh government has issued new guidelines to modify school timings across the state for a week. The decision was made to safeguard students, particularly young children, from the adverse effects of high daytime temperatures as the new academic session begins.
According to the state education department, all government and private schools—covering both primary and secondary levels—will follow revised timings for one week starting immediately. Under the new schedule, classes are to be conducted only during morning hours, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The afternoon sessions have been suspended until further notice, depending on how weather conditions evolve.
The move comes as parts of Chhattisgarh have been experiencing temperatures soaring above 44 degrees Celsius, which pose a serious health risk, especially to children. Meteorological forecasts also predict continued extreme heat throughout the week.
Official Guidelines:
The Department of School Education has directed all school administrations to strictly adhere to the revised schedule. In addition, instructions have been given to ensure that the following measures are implemented:
- Provision of clean and cold drinking water on school premises.
- Ensuring classrooms are well-ventilated.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during school hours.
- Monitoring students for any signs of heat-related illness.
In a public advisory, the education department urged parents to send their children to school only if they are in good health and to ensure they are hydrated before leaving home. School heads have also been empowered to adjust schedules further based on local weather conditions and consult district-level education officers if needed.
Reactions and Impact:
Parents and education professionals have largely welcomed the move, stating that student health must be prioritized over academic routines. Many schools have reported lower attendance in recent days due to the heatwave, and the change in timing is expected to provide some relief.
"This is a sensible and timely decision. Children are vulnerable to heatstroke, and shifting to morning hours will reduce risks significantly," said a teacher from Raipur.
Some private institutions are also considering reducing the number of periods conducted each day or switching to online classes temporarily, though no formal mandate has been issued in that regard.
Conclusion:
With the beginning of the new academic year, the Chhattisgarh government’s decision to revise school timings in light of the ongoing heatwave is a preventive measure aimed at student welfare. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further decisions will be taken based on updated weather reports from the Indian Meteorological Department. Parents and schools are advised to stay informed through official notifications and act accordingly to ensure children's health and safety.
