The Delhi government on Monday directed all private schools in the city to announce summer vacation till June 30 with immediate effect. The decision comes in view of the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in the capital city.
"All the Heads of Schools of DoE were directed to observe Summer Vacation from 11.05.2024 (Sunday) to 30.06.2024 (Sunday) for the Academic Year 2024-25. However, it has been observed that some of the government-aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during ongoing severe heat waves," a circular by the Delhi government read.
"All these schools are advised to close schools for summer vacation with immediate effect," it added.
This year, the city has declared a total of 50 days for the summer break, considering the high temperatures.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is likely to witness an uncomfortably hot summer compared to previous years.
Delhiites woke up to a warm Monday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 29.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. The mercury is expected to settle at 45 degrees Celsius.
Not just Delhi, several neighbouring states have announced early summer holidays in response to an intense heat wave affecting the regions.
The precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students amid the dangerously high temperatures, which pose significant health risks.
Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted severe heatwave conditions in various states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat starting May 18.
The Directorate of School Education in Haryana has notified all educational authorities to close schools due to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. An orange alert for severe heat waves has been issued for southern Punjab and Haryana. Schools are scheduled to reopen on July 1, 2024.
Even in Punjab, summer vacation has been announced for all schools from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. Like, the Rajasthan government has also mandated a summer break for all schools and has prohibited additional classes between May 17 and June 30.
