Chandigarh, May 20 – In light of the severe heatwave conditions, the Punjab government has announced summer holidays for all government, aided, and private schools from May 21 to June 30. This decision comes as a proactive measure to ensure the health and safety of students amidst soaring temperatures.
The region has been experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures in various areas of Punjab and Haryana reaching between 43 to 45 degrees Celsius, as reported by PTI. The Education Department, acknowledging the severe weather warnings issued by the meteorological office, decided to close schools to protect children from the adverse effects of the heatwave.
In its official order, the Education Department emphasized that the decision was taken considering the well-being of students, who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The move is aimed at preventing heatstroke and other heat-related health issues among schoolchildren.
This announcement follows an earlier adjustment by the Education Department on May 18, where school timings were shifted to early morning hours, from 7 am to noon. This change was intended to mitigate the impact of the heat by avoiding the peak afternoon temperatures. Initially, this timing adjustment was set to remain in place until May 31. However, with the persistent rise in temperatures, the government deemed it necessary to extend the break and provide a longer respite from the heat.
The decision has been welcomed by parents and educators, who expressed relief over the government's prompt action to safeguard the students' health. Many schools had already been struggling to cope with the intense heat, with cooling measures proving insufficient against the relentless sun.
As the state braces for continued high temperatures, the government's priority remains the health and safety of its students. The extended holiday period will also give schools time to implement better cooling solutions and prepare for the eventual return of students once the heatwave subsides.