Finance
The Odisha government has put an end to all discussion over the extending of summer vacation in schools due to the current heatwave. School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said today that the summer vacation will end on June 18 and that all schools will reopen on the specified date.
“There is no plan at present to extend the summer vacation. Schools will reopen on June 18 as per the earlier decision,” the Minister clarified.
He, however, added that if the heatwave becomes unbearable in the coming days, the government will review the situation and take an appropriate decision later.
The announcement comes amid a terrible heatwave that has dominated most of the state for many weeks, causing parents and teachers to call for a vacation extension. With the Southwest Monsoon already pushing into the state, temperatures are expected to gradually subside in the next days.Due to the high heat, the state administration announced a summer break for schools from May 12 to June 18.
The Minister stated that whenever schools reopen, the children’ health and safety will be given top priority. If the heatwave or high temperatures persist in some districts, the District Collectors will be empowered to make appropriate decisions, such as modifying school hours (morning schools) or implementing other necessary actions based on the circumstances.
In addition, the administration has asked all District Education Officers (DEOs) to guarantee that ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) and appropriate drinking water are available in all schools.
