Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today directed the schools to hold morning classes from April 17 in view of the prevailing heatwave condition in the state.

All the government schools, government-aided schools and private schools in Odisha are directed to hold morning classes for students up to Class-XII from April 17, said the Information and Public Relations Department today.

The classes will be held from 6.30 am to 11 am, it added.

The state government has authorized the district Collectors to change the school timetable by taking into account the prevailing heatwave condition in their localities. If required, the collectors can shut down the schools, said an official of the Information and Public Relations department.

“The schools have been directed to arrange drinking water and other facilities for their students,” he added.

Notably, the government had announced the closure of all schools and Anganwadi Centres in Odisha till April 16 in view of the heatwave condition in the state.