Telangana Schools to Run Half-Day from March 15 as Temperatures Rise

As temperatures rise in Telangana, the state School Education Department has decided that all schools will run for half a day from March 15. The decision includes all government, government-aided, and private schools - primary, upper primary, and high schools.

Under the new schedule, schools will function from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM so that children are not subjected to scorching heat at the peak time. Mid-day meals will be provided at 12:30 PM in government schools before children are released home.

The action was taken in response to Telangana's continuous daytime temperature rise, which poses a health risk to school-age children in particular by causing dehydration, heat fatigue, and weakness. Officials seek to lessen the amount of time pupils are exposed to severe weather by delaying school hours.

The move comes as Telangana witnesses an uninterrupted increase in daytime temperature, which can lead to health threats like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and weakness, particularly among children attending schools. By rescheduling school timings, officials hope to reduce the exposure of students to extreme weather conditions.

The 2024-25 academic year will formally end on April 23, and schools will then be closed for summer holidays from April 24 to June 11. The new academic year will begin with classes on June 12.

Precautionary Measures for Schools

Apart from modifying school hours, the Education Department has also suggested that schools take proper precautionary measures to safeguard students from excessive heat. 

Schools are urged to:

Provide sufficient drinking water to keep students hydrated.

Maintain classrooms well ventilated and cool to avoid discomfort.

Avoid taking students out for outdoor activities during peak heat times.

Ask students to wear light cotton clothes and bring water bottles along.

Parents are also requested to make sure that children take required precautions while going to and from school, like using umbrellas, caps, and drinking plenty of water.

Concerns Over Extreme Weather Conditions

Telangana has been experiencing a rising trend in summer temperatures over the past few years, with certain areas experiencing heatwave-like conditions. The government is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of kids because the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal temperatures this summer.

Additionally, officials will continue to monitor weather patterns and issue any directives as needed. Students will probably feel better when schools switch to half-day classes because they can continue their studies without worrying about their health