In response to escalating temperatures and the looming threat of heatwaves, the Maharashtra government has directed all schools in the state to operate between 7:00 AM and 11:15 AM. The directive, issued by the state’s Primary and Secondary Education Department on March 28, applies to all schools, irrespective of their medium or management.
The decision aims to protect students from extreme heat, following appeals from multiple organizations to shift school hours to cooler early morning periods. The government has emphasized uniformity in school timings to ensure student safety across the state.
Mandatory Precautionary Measures for Schools
In addition to the revised schedule, schools have been instructed to implement several heat-related safety measures, including:
- Ensuring classroom fans are in working condition.
- Providing cool drinking water to students.
- Educating students on preventing heat-related illnesses.
- Prohibiting outdoor classes to minimize heat exposure.
- Promoting seasonal fruits and vegetables to maintain hydration.
IMD Issues Heatwave Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heatwave conditions in parts of southern Maharashtra until Sunday. Additionally, daytime temperatures in Gangetic West Bengal are expected to rise 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal.