Bhubaneswar: The state government has asked schools across Odisha to hold morning classes to mitigate the possible heatwave situation.

The School and Mass Education (S&ME) Department of the state government today sent a communique in this regard to all district collectors.

In the communique, the S&ME Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary N. Thirumala Naik has asked the district Collectors to take the necessary steps for holding morning classes in all government, government-aided and private schools in the state.

As per the letter, all educational institutions under the S&ME Department have been asked to hold classes from 6.30 am to 10.30 am with effect from April 2 to the commencement of summer vacation.

“The state government after careful consideration has been pleased to reschedule the timing of classes in all educational institutions under the School and Mass Education Department i.e. government, government aided and privately managed schools in the state from 6.30 am to 10.30 am with effect from April 2 to commencement of summer vacation. This will remain in force every year,” read the communique.  

After the summer vacation, school timing will continue normally as per guidelines issued earlier. However, Collector & District Magistrates can decide rescheduling of schools well in advance if the situation warrants, added the letter.

S&ME Department issues advisory for schools 

The S&ME Department has also issued an advisory for the schools to combat the heatwave situation.

--In all schools, extra care has to be taken to ensure availability of drinking water. Wherever required, tube wells inside the school campus may be repaired to ensure drinking water supply.

--There will be a drinking water break on every day with water bell at a fixed time. Sufficient ORS packets need to be kept in schools and provided to students/ staff requiring the same.

--Outdoor activities have to be restricted so that the students not to be exposed to heat wave conditions.

--All parents should be sensitised to ensure that their children carry a water bottle while going to school. This should be sufficiently publicized to create awareness among the parents.

--Schools may also be advised to allocate some time during school hours to give heat wave precautionary tips to the students.