Amid an intense heatwave, the Rajasthan state education department on Wednesday directed all government and private schools to suspend outdoor activities and allow students to wear light cotton clothes instead of uniforms. However, the department ruled out early summer vacations.
Measures to combat heat
The Directorate of Secondary Education has asked schools to shorten morning assemblies and hold them in shaded areas or inside classrooms to minimise heat exposure. Institutions have also been instructed to ensure adequate drinking water is available, especially for students leaving school at dispersal time.
The department has advised students to cover their heads with caps or cloth while commuting and to stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
Teachers express resentment
The decision comes even as teachers expressed resentment over a shorter summer break this year. While the college education department has declared vacations from May 1 to June 30, school holidays will run from May 16 to June 21.
Education minister Madan Dilawar said schools will remain open as planned to ensure academic targets are met. “Our aim is to complete 20% of the syllabus before the summer break and conduct a test. Students can then revise during the holidays,” he said, adding that the academic session began on April 1 with results declared in March for the first time.
Vipin Prakash Sharma, president of the Rajasthan Primary and Secondary Teachers Association, criticised the move, citing inadequate cooling facilities in many schools.
