Govt authorises collectors to declare school holidays amid heatwave

Jaipur: Rajasthan collectors can now declare school holidays or change timings based on local weather forecasts as extreme heatwave conditions continue across the state.

Many districts have already shifted school hours, holding classes only until noon as temperatures rise.

In an order issued Monday, Director Education Sitaram Jat said, “In light of the potential onset of severe heat conditions in the state in the coming days, you are hereby authorised to declare changes in operational timings or grant holidays — commensurate with local conditions — for all govt and private schools functioning within your district, prior to the commencement of the scheduled summer vacation (from May 16).”

The order says any changes in timings or holidays will apply only to students.

Teachers have demanded holidays from May 7 to June 20, in line with Kendriya Vidyalayas, citing student safety and the need to avoid loss of academic days.

The education department has directed all govt and private schools to ensure fans and adequate shade for ventilation, and to provide clean, cool drinking water. Schools have also been told to ring a “water bell” at regular intervals to ensure short breaks for drinking water and restroom use.

Schools must keep first-aid kits with essential medicines and ORS to provide primary treatment and protection against severe heat, vomiting, indigestion, anxiety and fever.

Outdoor sports training, physical education sessions, activities and camps in the open have been barred during the summer season.

For commuting, schools have been told not to transport children in vehicles that are open or directly exposed to sunlight, and to instruct drivers to carry first-aid kits with ORS packs.
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