Modify School Timings, Relax Uniform Norms: Education Ministry Issues Guidelines To Combat Heatwave

The national capital also recorded its second hottest April in 72 years with a monthly average maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius.

As per the guidelines issued by the Education Ministry, schools have been asked to modify timings and reduce the number of school hours each day. (Representational)

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New Delhi: In wake of heatwave conditions over several parts of the country, the Ministry of Education has issued guidelines which include change in school timings and relaxing uniform norms such as neckties. 

Mercury in large parts of the country has significantly slided upwards with temperature in Delhi rising up to 46 degree Celsius. The national capital also recorded its second hottest April in 72 years with a monthly average maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius.

As per the guidelines issued by the Education Ministry, schools have been asked to modify timings and reduce the number of school hours each day. It further stated that schools should ensure proper functioning of fans and may also arrange for power backup. 

 

Ministry of Education issues guidelines for schools to combat heatwave; asks them to relax uniform norms, modify timings

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2022

Other steps that schools have been asked to take because of the heatwave conditions in the national capital region include revising school timings, restricting outdoor activities, stocking ORS and glucose sachets, and constantly motivating children to stay hydrated. 

Earlier this week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that a fresh spell of heatwave is likely to begin over northwest India from May 7 and over central India from May 8.

While a fresh heatwave may take a large part of the country in its grip, experts have suggested not to close the schools as offline classes have started from the new session after nearly two years due to the Covid-induced pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on May 5 chaired a meeting to review preparations for heatwave management and monsoon preparedness in which he stressed the need to take all measures to avoid deaths due to heatwave or fire incidents.