The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a change in school timings due to the ongoing heatwave conditions across the state. The decision aims to protect students from extreme temperatures and ensure a safer learning environment.
Under the revised schedule, all schools operating under the Basic Education Council will now function in the morning hours. Students will attend classes from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, while school staff will continue academic-related work until 1:30 pm.
The move comes as temperatures continue to rise, making it difficult for students to attend classes during peak afternoon hours.
NEW SCHOOL TIMINGS IN UTTAR PRADESH
As per the official directive issued by the Director of Basic Education to all district education officers, the revised daily schedule will be as follows:
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| School begins | 7:30 am |
| Prayer and yoga | 7:30 am – 7:40 am |
| Classes for students | 7:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Lunch break | 10:00 am – 10:15 am |
| Staff working hours | Till 1:30 pm |
The directive ensures that academic activities are completed before the peak heat hours of the day.
WHY THE CHANGE WAS NEEDED
The heatwave has significantly impacted daily life across Uttar Pradesh. Young students are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues.
By shifting school hours to early morning, authorities aim to reduce exposure to high temperatures and ensure that children can attend classes comfortably.
SIMILAR STEPS TAKEN BY OTHER STATES
Several states across India have also taken similar steps in response to rising temperatures:
| State | Measures Announced |
|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | Summer vacation advanced (April 20 – June 15); applicable to all schools; teachers exempted from holidays |
| Uttarakhand | Mandatory “water bell” breaks introduced; focus on hydration and medical preparedness in schools |
| Madhya Pradesh | Revised school timings (7:30 am – 12:30 pm); teachers required to stay till 1:30 pm |
| Odisha | Morning classes scheduled (6:30 am – 10:30 am); to be followed annually during summer months |
| Kerala | Strict ban on summer classes; warning of action against violations of vacation rules |
| Uttar Pradesh | Revised school timings (7:30 am – 12:30 pm); teachers required to stay till 1:30 pm |
These measures highlight a nationwide effort to prioritise student safety during extreme weather conditions.
FOCUS ON STUDENT SAFETY
Apart from revised timings, authorities are also encouraging schools to ensure proper hydration facilities, shaded classrooms, and regular health monitoring of students.
The proactive step by the Uttar Pradesh government reflects a growing awareness of climate-related challenges in the education sector. With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming weeks, such measures are likely to continue.
