Too Hot! Schools Likely To Start After Mid-June

Nagpur: With temperatures continuing to soar across Vidarbha and several cities, including Nagpur, minister of state for school education Pankaj Bhoyar on Saturday indicated that the govt may consider postponing the June 15 reopening of schools if the extreme heat conditions persist.Bhoyar also said the state govt is moving ahead with a proposed law for registration of pre-primary schools. He said the draft bill has been sent to the Law and Justice Department for approval and is expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session after legal clearance.Bhoyar said that while the academic calendar is planned with a focus on students' curriculum and learning schedule, student safety remains the top priority. "Temperatures are rising day by day. If this scorching heat continues until June 15 and temperatures remain at high levels, the govt will certainly consider postponing the school reopening date keeping in mind student safety," Bhoyar said.The MoS clarified that no final decision has been taken yet. "No decision has been taken yet in this regard. It is under consideration, but I feel a decision would be taken at the earliest," he added.The statement comes amid intense heatwave conditions across the region, with the India Meteorological Department issuing orange alerts for Nagpur and other parts of Vidarbha over the past few days. Bhoyar also referred to steps being taken to minimise students' exposure to heat during exams. Citing reports regarding examinations conducted by Nagpur University, he said authorities have decided to conduct exams in morning sessions and increase number of exam centres to reduce inconvenience to students.Adding to the measures, Nagpur collector Kumar Ashirwad directed public events, coaching classes and similar activities should not operate between 11am to 4pm due to the heat.