Bhubaneswar: The State Government today instructed all district collectors to start morning classes in all schools with immediate effect.
Though Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari had earlier informed that morning classes in schools would commence from April 2, it was now decided to reschedule the timing of classes of class-1 to 12 from 6.30 am to 10.30 am.
In a letter to all Collectors, School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit said, “Government after careful consideration have been pleased to take following measures along with rescheduling the timing of classes in all educational institutions under the School and Mass Education Department i.e. government, government aided and privately managed schools to mitigate heat wave situation in the state during summer-2025.”
She has asked the collectors to ensure availability of drinking water in all schools. Wherever required, tube wells inside the school campus should be repaired to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, she said.
The Secretary S & ME also directed to keep sufficient ORS packets in the schools and restrict outdoor activities so as to prevent the students from being exposed to heat wave conditions.
All the parents will be sensitized to ensure that their children carry a water bottle while going to school.
The school authorities were advised to allocate some time during school hours to give heat wave precautionary tips to the students.
The collectors have been directed to keep a close watch on the weather condition and are authorized to modify the school timing based on field situation.