Heatwave Forces School Closures in 13 Districts Across the State

Schools Shut Amid Rising Temperatures
Amid the ongoing heatwave, authorities have announced the closure of schools in as many as 13 districts across the state. Government, government-aided, and private schools, including higher secondary institutions, have been shut for students as a precautionary measure due to extreme weather conditions.

Exams and Official Work to Continue
Despite the closures, previously scheduled examinations will continue as planned. Teachers have been directed to remain present in schools and participate in official duties, including census-related work. The decision has been taken by District Education Officers following instructions from district collectors, based on local weather conditions.

Closures Mostly Till April 23
In most districts, schools will remain closed until April 23, though further decisions will depend on the evolving situation. In Khordha district, all schools from primary to Class 12 will remain closed from April 20 to April 23. However, supplementary examinations for Classes 5 and 8 will continue with necessary safety measures.

Authorities have instructed schools to ensure adequate drinking water, ORS, first aid facilities, and proper ventilation for students appearing in exams.

District-Wise Closure Announcements
Nayagarh district has also announced school closures from April 20 to April 23 due to intense heat and humidity. Similarly, Deogarh district has issued a notification closing schools for the same period.

Mayurbhanj district had earlier declared holidays from April 20 to April 23, while in Nabarangpur, schools have been closed from April 20 until further notice.

In Bargarh, schools, colleges, technical institutions, and Anganwadi centres will remain closed from April 20 to April 22. In Boudh, the ongoing closure since April 18 has been extended until April 22.

Additionally, schools have been shut in Sambalpur, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Balangir, and Subarnapur districts, with authorities stating that further decisions will be taken depending on weather conditions.

Private Schools Shift to Online Classes
Following the closure announcements, several private schools have initiated online classes to ensure continuity in education. However, no such directive has been issued at the government level so far.

Concerns Raised Over Closures
There are growing concerns that apart from the heatwave, factors such as teacher deployment in census duties and delays in textbook distribution may also be contributing to the decision to close schools.

Safety Remains Top Priority
Officials have emphasized that the primary objective behind the closures is to ensure the safety and well-being of students during the ongoing extreme summer conditions.