As scorching temperatures sweep through the nation, educational institutions are cautiously resuming operations this Sunday (April 28). Despite the heatwave, authorities are implementing precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
A recent circular issued by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has outlined the guidelines for reopening government primary schools. Class activities will proceed as scheduled, with schools operating in single shifts from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. For schools running in two shifts, the morning session will run from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, followed by the afternoon session from 10:15 am to 11:30 am.
However, pre-primary classes will remain suspended until further notice, and daily assemblies will be on hold until the heatwave subsides to a manageable level.
The decision to proceed with class activities comes with careful consideration of the health risks posed to young children amidst the prevailing heatwave. This directive encompasses government primary schools, those operated by the Shishu Kalyan Trust, and learning centers under the non-formal education bureau.
Originally slated to resume on April 21 following the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the reopening of educational institutions was delayed due to the extreme weather conditions. With the heatwave persisting, the Ministry of Education extended the closure by an additional week.
However, in a notification issued on April 25, it was affirmed that classes would resume as usual from Sunday (April 28). Additionally, secondary schools, colleges, and madrassas will now be open on Saturdays to compensate for the lost learning opportunities resulting from the prolonged closure.
