In response to an intense heatwave sweeping across the capital, the Delhi government has mandated an early summer break for all private schools. Effective immediately, schools are to remain closed until June 30. This decision, announced on Monday, aims to protect students from the dangerously high temperatures.
“All Heads of Schools of DoE were directed to observe Summer Vacation from May 11, 2024 (Sunday) to June 30, 2024 (Sunday) for the Academic Year 2024-25. However, it has been observed that some government-aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during the ongoing severe heat waves,” a circular from the Delhi government read.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an unusually hot summer for Delhi, with temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius. On Monday morning, Delhiites woke up to a minimum temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius, which is three notches above the season’s average.
Punjab Follows Suit with Sudden School Closure
Similarly, the Punjab government has announced an early summer vacation for all schools from May 21 to June 30, 2024. This abrupt decision, announced just a day after changing school timings to 7am-12pm, has been met with resistance from both private and government school principals.
Harmeet Kaur Waraich, the Deputy CBSE city coordinator and principal of Nankana Public School, voiced concerns, saying, “On behalf of private schools, we would like to meet Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and request her to allow private schools to remain open at least till May 25. Unit tests are ongoing, and other activities are planned. Also, as per CBSE, we have to work 210 days.”
Despite these objections, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney stood firm, stating, “These are the instructions of the government in light of the severe heat wave warning and keeping in mind the health of students. So, no school will be allowed to open.”
Impact on School Activities and Exams
The sudden closure has disrupted ongoing examinations and planned activities. In government schools, the final test of Mission Samrath, originally scheduled for May 30, has been postponed to July. Dharamjeet Singh Dhillon, President of the Lecture Cadre Union, expressed frustration, noting, “The decision was taken all of a sudden even though the timings of 7am to 12pm were comfortable for students. What about the holiday homework now? We were not given a day to inform the students about holiday homework.”
Health and Safety as Primary Concern
Punjab’s Education Secretary Kamal Kishore Yadav justified the early closure, citing the extreme heatwave. “This has been done to ensure the health and well-being of students during the peak summer season. In view of rising temperatures and extreme heat waves, we cannot take a risk with children’s health,” he explained.
Wider Implications
The early summer vacation announcements in Delhi and Punjab reflect broader concerns about the impacts of extreme weather on education. Similar measures have been taken in neighboring states, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing student health and safety over academic schedules during such conditions.
