Demand grows to extend summer vacation in Gujarat schools amid intense heatwave

With temperatures soaring between 40 and 44℃ across several parts of Gujarat, demands have intensified for an extension of summer vacation in schools due to the prevailing heatwave conditions.

The School Management Mahamandal has submitted a representation to the state government urging it to extend the ongoing school vacation by 10 days and reopen schools from June 18 instead of June 8.

According to the academic calendar issued by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board and the Primary Education Department, summer vacation for students from Classes 1 to 12 is currently scheduled to end on June 7.

The new academic session for more than 90 lakh students studying in government, grant-in-aid and private schools across the state is set to begin from June 8.

However, school management representatives said the extreme heat and heatwave conditions could adversely affect children, particularly students attending afternoon-shift schools.

The association stated that students and parents travelling during peak afternoon temperatures may face serious discomfort and health risks.

The representation also referred to the ongoing fuel concerns arising from tensions linked to the US-Iran situation, suggesting that online education could be considered as an alternative if required.

School management representatives said rising petrol, diesel, and CNG prices have also affected school van and rickshaw operators, increasing transportation difficulties.

The association claimed that online education options had also been discussed in view of the current circumstances.