Bhubaneswar: Morning classes for students of Classes I to XI began on Tuesday in view of the soaring heat and humidity across Odisha. The School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Dash had earlier announced that the timing of the morning classes will be from 7.00 am to 11.30 am.
However, District Collectors have been allowed to make changes in the schedule of morning classes depending on the weather in their districts. At the same time, the schools have been instructed to ensure the provision of drinking water and other required facilities keeping in view the summer heat.
The Education Department has directed all District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure morning classes are held amid strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
Students, as well as guardians, are, however, worried over the rising temperatures across the state since Monday. Keeping in view that at least 14 places in the state recorded 39°C or higher on Monday, they are concerned over the extreme heat conditions the students would have to encounter when they return home at 11.30 am.
Meanwhile, the Education Department announced on Monday that summer vacations for both elementary and secondary schools will commence on May 5 and schools will reopen on June 19.
