The Odisha government is likely to extend the ongoing summer vacation in schools across the state due to the prevailing heatwave conditions and rising temperatures being experienced in several districts. The move is being considered as part of the government’s efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of students, particularly younger children who are more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond has indicated that the state government is closely monitoring the weather situation before taking a final decision regarding the reopening of schools. He stated that the health and safety of students remain the government’s foremost priority and that any decision regarding the extension of summer holidays will be based on a detailed assessment of the prevailing heatwave conditions.
According to the minister, authorities are continuously reviewing weather forecasts and temperature trends across different regions of Odisha. If the heatwave persists or intensifies in the coming days, the government may consider postponing the reopening of schools to protect students from exposure to extreme heat.
“The decision will be taken after assessing the prevailing heatwave conditions across the state. The health and safety of students remain the government’s top priority, and a decision on extending the summer vacation will be made accordingly,” the minister said.
Earlier, the state government had announced that schools would reopen on June 22 after the summer vacation. However, with temperatures remaining above normal in several parts of Odisha and concerns over prolonged heatwave conditions, the possibility of extending the holiday period is now under active consideration.
Weather experts have also pointed to the potential influence of El Niño conditions during the monsoon season. Although the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Odisha by mid-June, meteorologists warn that changing weather patterns could result in uneven rainfall distribution and continued spells of high temperatures in certain regions. This has prompted authorities to adopt a cautious approach before resuming regular classroom activities.
The state has witnessed recurring heatwave conditions during the summer months, with several districts recording exceptionally high daytime temperatures. The situation has raised concerns among parents, teachers and education stakeholders, many of whom have urged the government to prioritize student safety while making decisions regarding school reopening.
Officials from the School and Mass Education Department are expected to hold consultations and review reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local weather agencies before making a final announcement. The government is also assessing district-wise weather conditions to determine whether reopening schools as scheduled would be feasible.
If the summer vacation is extended, an official notification outlining the revised reopening date is expected to be issued by the state government. Parents, students and school authorities have been advised to wait for the official announcement and follow updates issued by the School and Mass Education Department.
The anticipated decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment while balancing academic schedules with the health and welfare of students. A final decision is likely to be announced after a comprehensive review of weather conditions across the state in the coming days.
