Amid rising temperatures across Odisha, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday said that a decision on summer vacations for schools will be taken after reviewing district-wise heatwave conditions.
District-Wise Assessment to Guide Decision
The Minister stated that reports from district Collectors will play a key role in determining whether schools should be closed early in areas experiencing extreme heat. Districts facing severe and unbearable conditions will be assessed individually before any decision is made.
He emphasised that student safety and well-being remain the government’s top priority.
Heatwave Impact in Western Odisha
Several parts of western Odisha are currently under intense heatwave conditions, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. The government is evaluating ground-level reports to understand the severity and spread of the heat.
Role of Special Relief Commissioner
The final decision will be taken after a comprehensive review by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), which typically convenes a meeting to assess weather conditions before recommending school closures.
The Minister noted that the School and Mass Education Department will act based on the SRC’s findings and district-level inputs.
No Final Decision Yet
While schools in Odisha usually observe summer vacations from May 10 to June 16, the Minister clarified that no official decision has been made yet for this year.
“The decision will be taken keeping the prevailing heatwave situation in mind,” Gond said, indicating flexibility depending on how conditions evolve in the coming days.
Focus on Student Safety
With temperatures soaring and heatwave conditions intensifying in several districts, the state government is expected to prioritise precautionary measures to protect students from heat-related health risks.
