Maharashtra schools to stay open only in morning shifts amid heatwave

In response to the rising temperatures and the ongoing heatwave across Maharashtra the Directorate of Primary Education has issued an official order mandating that all schools across the state operate only in the morning shiftThe new timings applicable to all schools regardless of their management or medium of instruction have been enforced to safeguard studentsrsquo health amid extreme weather conditionsAs per the directive primary schools will function from 7 am to 1115 am while secondary schools will operate from 7 am to 1145 amThe state board officials informed that the decision comes after multiple organisations and stakeholders submitted requests for morning school sessions to mitigate the adverse impact of extreme heat on students Several districts had already issued independent orders shifting school hours to the morning but discrepancies in school schedules across regions prompted the government to implement a uniform timetable across MaharashtraAlong with the change in school timings the Directorate of Education has also issued a set of precautions to be followed to protect students from the adverse effects of high temperatures All schools have been instructed to implement the following measures Students should not participate in outdoor sports or physical exercises during school hours classes should not be conducted in open areas Teachers should create awareness about precautions to prevent heatrelated illnesses All classrooms should have functional fans to maintain adequate ventilation Schools must ensure an adequate supply of cold drinking water for students Students should be advised to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon muskmelon oranges grapes pineapple cucumber and salads Students should wear loose lightcoloured cotton clothes tostay cool Students should be encouraged to wear hats carry umbrellas or cover their heads with towels or traditional cloth while commuting Students should avoid walking barefoot in the heat and must wear shoes or sandals Schools should advise students to limit outdoor activities and avoid stepping out in the sun unnecessarilyThe circular also states that district authorities including the chief executive officer have the discretion to modify the timings based on local conditions Schools have been directed to immediately implement the new schedule and ensure compliance with the issued guidelinesThe state board officials said ldquoWith temperatures soaring across the state these measures aim to protect students from potential health hazards caused by extreme heat School authorities teachers and parents are urged to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines for the wellbeing of children during the summer seasonrdquoDevika Sharma a parent said ldquoIn Pune the temperature has soared past 40degC This week the Koregaon Park area recorded nearly 41degC prompting the need forthe government to close primary schools The intense summer heat has made it extremely challenging for young children to travel to schoolrdquoRevised school timetablePrimary school schedule7 am 1115 am7 am 715 am Assembly715 am 745 am First period745 am 815 am Second period815 am 845 am Third period845 am 915 am Fourth period915 am 945 am Recesslunch break945 am 1015 am Fifth period1015 am 1045 am Sixth period1045 am 1115 am Seventh periodSecondary school schedule7 am 1145 am700 am 715 am Assembly715 am 745 am First period745 am 815 am Second period815 am 845 am Third period845 am 915 am Fourth period915 am 945 am Recesslunch break945 am 1015 am Fifth period1015 am 1045 am Sixth period1045 am 1115 am Seventh period1115 am 1145 amEighth period