The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced an extension of summer vacations in schools affiliated with the Basic Education Council and recognised institutions until June 24 due to the ongoing heatwave conditions across the state.
The decision comes as temperatures continue to soar, prompting concerns over the safety and well-being of schoolchildren.
Revised Academic Calendar
According to an order issued by Basic and Secondary Education Additional Chief Secretary Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, summer vacations will now be observed annually from May 20 to June 24, with regular classes beginning on June 25.
Schools had reopened on Tuesday following the scheduled summer break. However, with the issuance of fresh directives, the reopening has been postponed and students will now return to classrooms on June 25, according to an official statement.
The government said the move was made under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, prioritising children's safety, health and access to quality education amid extreme weather conditions.
Uniformity Across the State
Officials said the revised schedule aims to bring greater uniformity to the academic calendar throughout Uttar Pradesh. The change is also expected to reduce the need for district administrations to issue repeated local holiday extensions during periods of severe heat.
Staff to Report Before Reopening
Under the revised schedule, teachers, shiksha mitras, instructors and non-teaching staff will report to schools between June 22 and June 24 to make preparations for the new academic session.
Additionally, collective yoga sessions involving teachers and students will be organised in schools on June 21 to mark the observance of the International Day of Yoga, the order stated.
Preparations for the New Session
The preparatory activities will include lesson planning, arrangements for the mid-day meal programme, distribution of textbooks, meetings of school management committees, preparations for Bal Vatika classes, cleanliness drives in school premises, kitchens and toilets, and ensuring the availability of sports equipment.
RTE Norms to Be Followed
The order further emphasised compliance with the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates a minimum of 220 working days and regular teaching activities during every academic session.
District magistrates (DMs) have been advised to take these statutory requirements into account before announcing any local holidays, officials said.
Focus on Basic Facilities
The state government has also instructed schools to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, availability of drinking water, and other essential
