Bhubaneswar: All schools in Odisha will reopen on June 18, with no extension of the summer vacation, announced School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Monday. Speaking to media in Bhubaneswar, Gond stated that the state government has decided to reopen all government, government-aided, and private schools as scheduled after the Raja festival.
Heatwave Concerns Addressed
Earlier, the minister had indicated that if the heatwave persisted, the government might consider extending the summer break by a few days. However, Gond noted, “The weather is now favorable following the arrival of the monsoon, with temperatures dropping across all districts. We need to focus on students’ education now. Extending the vacation would not be appropriate, and we aim to adhere to the academic schedule for all grades.”
The decision comes after the government advanced the summer vacation earlier this year due to extreme heat. Originally scheduled to start on May 2, the break was moved to April 27 in response to the intense heatwave.
Monitoring Weather Conditions
Gond added that the government continues to monitor weather conditions. “If a heatwave returns around June 18 and students are unable to step out of their homes, we will reassess the situation and take necessary steps to ensure their safety,” the minister said.
Textbook Distribution Underway
Meanwhile, textbooks have started arriving at schools. Department officials confirmed that all books would be delivered before June 18. Sources from the Odisha Primary School Teachers Association reported that many schools have already received the required textbooks, while the remaining ones are expected to get them before classes resume. Distribution was delayed this year due to syllabus revisions necessitating the printing of new textbooks. Students had to manage with photocopies throughout the summer vacation.
