Along with change in school hours, the government has issued additional safety measures to protect students from heat-related illnesses.
Pune: The Maharashtra Education Department has announced a change in school timings for all primary and secondary schools in the state due to the increasing intensity of the heatwave. According to the new schedule, effective immediately:
Primary schools (all mediums and managements) will run from 7:00 AM to 11:15 AM.
Secondary schools will operate from 7:00 AM to 11:45 AM.
District authorities have been allowed to modify these timings with approval from the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad.
The announcement was made through a joint circular issued by Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi and Secondary Education Director Sampat Suryavanshi. The decision comes in response to guidelines from the Revenue and Forest Department, which had instructed local governing bodies and disaster management authorities to take measures against heat-related health risks.
The rising summer temperatures have raised concerns about students' health, prompting several educational organizations and associations to demand a shift in school hours. In response, the state government has directed uniform implementation of new school timings across all educational institutions.
Guidelines for Heatwave Prevention in Schools
Along with the change in school hours, the government has issued additional safety measures to protect students from heat-related illnesses:
Awareness & Training: Schools must educate students on how to stay safe during heatwaves.
Limited Physical Activity: Outdoor sports and strenuous physical activities should be avoided during peak hours.
Classroom Safety: Teachers should ensure that ceiling fans are functional in classrooms.
Hydration: Schools must provide students with clean and cool drinking water.
Nutritional Guidance: Students are encouraged to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, grapes, pineapple, cucumber, and salads to stay hydrated.
Appropriate Clothing: Students should wear lightweight, loose, cotton clothes in light colors.
Sun Protection: The use of umbrellas, hats, scarves, and other protective gear is recommended when stepping out.
Footwear: Students should always wear shoes or sandals when outdoors.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Students should minimize exposure to direct sunlight whenever possible.