Odisha Reschedules School Timings Amid Heatwave Concerns

Bhubaneswar: In response to the ongoing heatwave, the Odisha Government has rescheduled school timings for both government and private institutions to protect students from extreme temperatures.

Effective immediately, classes for students from Class I to XII will now be held from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, minimizing their exposure to the scorching heat. The decision was announced by Shalini Pandit, Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, who has directed District Collectors to monitor weather conditions and adjust school schedules as needed.

To ensure student safety, officials have been instructed to provide an adequate supply of drinking water in all schools. Any tube wells within school campuses must be repaired promptly to maintain an uninterrupted water supply. Schools have also been asked to stock sufficient ORS packets and distribute them to students and staff as required.

Outdoor activities will be restricted to prevent heat-related illnesses, and parents will be sensitized to ensure that children carry water bottles to school. Awareness initiatives will be conducted to educate students on heatwave precautions.

Additionally, District Collectors have been directed to allot time during school hours to educate students on heatwave safety measures, further reinforcing precautions against rising temperatures.