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Haryana Revises School Timings Amid Heatwave Alert; Announces Summer Vacation

News on education 9 ArdorComm Media Group Haryana Revises School Timings Amid Heatwave Alert; Announces Summer Vacation

In response to a heatwave alert issued for several states, the Haryana government has announced revised school timings. Starting immediately, the first shift in all schools will run from 7 am to 12 pm, while the second shift will commence at 12:45 pm. This change applies to both government and private schools across the state. Additionally, the Haryana government has declared summer vacation for all schools, starting June 1 and lasting until June 30, 2024. This decision, based on a press release, aims to protect students from the extreme heat predicted by the Meteorological Department. According to weather forecasts, Haryana will experience intense heat waves in the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius. In light of these conditions, weather experts have issued yellow and orange alerts for various districts. The revised school timings are expected to provide some relief to students during this period of extreme heat. By adjusting the hours of operation, the government aims to reduce the exposure of children to the harshest parts of the day. Similar measures are being taken in neighboring regions. All government schools in Delhi were closed on May 11, while summer vacations in private schools are expected to start in May. In Uttar Pradesh, summer vacations are set to begin by May 25, 2024, across most schools. Additionally, schools in areas where Lok Sabha voting will take place will also be closed to facilitate the electoral process. These steps reflect a broader effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students amid extreme weather conditions. As temperatures continue to rise, the proactive measures taken by the Haryana government and other states aim to mitigate the risks associated with the heatwave.    

Tamil Nadu Government Set to Release Draft of State Education Policy After Model Code of Conduct is Lifted

Image on Education ArdorComm Media Group Tamil Nadu Government Set to Release Draft of State Education Policy After Model Code of Conduct is Lifted

The Tamil Nadu government is poised to release the draft of the State Education Policy after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is lifted, according to sources. The MCC is expected to be lifted after the announcement of Lok Sabha election results on June 4. In 2021, the Tamil Nadu government announced its intention to introduce an exclusive State Education Policy during the Assembly session. A panel, headed by retired High Court judge Justice D Murugesan, was constituted in May 2022 to oversee this initiative, comprising educationists and experts from various fields. Sources within the Tamil Nadu Education Department revealed that the draft of the State Education Policy was already prepared in November 2023. However, the process faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances, including the resignation of the state minister for higher education, K Ponmudi, following a conviction in a legal case. Although the minister was reinstated following a favorable court order, the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of Lok Sabha polls halted the release of the draft. Officials from the school education department indicated that after the release of the draft policy, the final document would take over three months to be finalized and implemented. Dr. Mohammed Rashid, a retired professor from Madras University, emphasized the urgency of releasing the State Education Policy, particularly after the announcement of the National Education Policy. Educational institutions’ management has been anticipating the new policy for some time, he noted, underlining the importance of expediting its release to address evolving educational needs effectively.  

Tamil Nadu School Education Department Warns Against Summer Special Classes Due to Heat Wave

News on Education 1 ArdorComm Media Group Tamil Nadu School Education Department Warns Against Summer Special Classes Due to Heat Wave

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued a stern warning to schools, cautioning them against conducting special classes during the summer vacation period. This directive comes in response to the prevailing intense heat wave conditions across the state, exacerbated by the onset of the peak summer period known as Agni Nakshatram, expected to extend until May 28. In an official statement, the School Education Department underscored the importance of exercising caution amidst the scorching heat, advising against the organization of special classes during this period. Schools are explicitly prohibited from conducting such sessions, with the department asserting its intent to take strict action against any violations of this directive. Moreover, the department has instructed district education officers to conduct thorough investigations to ensure compliance with the order, signaling a proactive approach towards enforcement. Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi reiterated the department’s stance, emphasizing that stringent measures would be implemented against any school found to be in breach of the prohibition on conducting special classes during the summer vacation. This proactive measure aims to safeguard the well-being of students and educators alike, recognizing the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat conditions. By discouraging special classes during this period, the department prioritizes the health and safety of the educational community, aligning with its commitment to promoting a conducive learning environment while addressing environmental challenges.  

Odisha Government Declares Summer Vacations Amid Rising Temperatures

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In response to the prevailing intense heatwave conditions in Odisha, the state government has announced summer vacations for school students starting from April 25. This decision applies to all schools, including government, government-aided, and private institutions. To mitigate the effects of the rising temperatures, the government has also implemented morning classes from 6:30 am to 10:30 am in schools for three days, scheduled from April 22 to April 24. Earlier measures included the closure of all schools in the state for three days from April 18 to 20 due to the severe heatwave situation, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in certain areas. According to reports, several towns in Odisha, including Jharsuguda and Keonjhar, recorded temperatures as high as 43.6 degrees Celsius, prompting concerns about the health and well-being of residents. Other areas such as Hirakud, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar, Chandbali, and Balasore also experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. This decision by the Odisha government aims to ensure the safety and comfort of students during the sweltering summer months.

Early Summer Break Announced for Government Schools Due to Heatwave

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In response to the prevailing heatwave, the school education department has issued a notice announcing an early start to the summer vacation in government and government-aided schools. Originally scheduled to commence on May 6, the summer break will now begin on April 22, Monday, with schools set to reopen on June 3. Key Points from the Notice: Exemption for Hill Areas: Schools in the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts will continue with their existing academic schedule and are exempted from the early summer break. Arrangements for Extra Classes: Teaching and non-teaching staff have been instructed to make necessary arrangements for extra classes after schools reopen to compensate for the lost time. Applicability to Staff: The early break applies to both teachers and non-teaching staff, who will remain on leave as a special case, subject to directions from election authorities due to the Lok Sabha polls. Communication with Affiliated Boards: The school education department has notified the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) regarding the early summer break and requested their cooperation. An education department official highlighted the prevailing heatwave conditions and emphasized the importance of prioritizing student safety by avoiding school attendance. In past years, private schools have been urged to align with government directives regarding summer breaks due to extreme heat. The department underscores the necessity of compensatory classes to ensure students are adequately prepared for summative examinations amidst the shortened academic calendar. The decision to extend the summer vacation reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding student well-being during periods of extreme weather.