Centre Issues Fresh Guidelines For Schools Amid Heatwave

Reduced Timings!

National capital surges with extreme heat wave-like scenarios. From Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) declared a heat wave in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). 

As per the information, the ministry of education has issued guidelines for schools, asking them to relax the uniform norms, restrict outdoor activities and modify timings.

As per the guidelines, "School hours may start early and get over before noon. The timing may be from 7.00 AM onwards. The number of school hours per day may be reduced. Sports and other outdoor activities which expose students directly to the sunlight may be appropriately adjusted in the early morning,” the guidelines stated.

“School assembly should be conducted in covered areas or classrooms with reduced timing. Similar care may be taken during dispersal after school is over,” it added.

The government statement said children are advised to not carry their tiffin’s as the food might turn stale or get spoiled in the heat. Instead, hot-cooked and fresh meals must be provided under PM POSHAN. Additionally, schools must be equipped with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) sachets and essential medical kits, and teaching and non-teaching staff should know first aid.

As for transportation to and from school, school buses/vans should not be overcrowded and must be parked in shaded areas. Drinking water and a first aid kit should be available in the vehicle. Students walking/cycling to school should be advised to keep their heads covered. The ministry also recommends against the usage of public transport to minimize the children’s exposure to the sun.

Listing guidelines for classrooms, schools should ensure that they are “properly” ventilated, and curtains/blinds may be used to block sunlight from directly entering the classroom. If schools follow local traditional practices of using “khus curtains, bamboo/jute chicks”, then they may be continued. As for residential schools, windows in the dormitories should have curtains and constant availability of water and electricity must be provided on campus. The diet provided by the residential school should include lemon, buttermilk, and seasonal fruits with high water content.