Assam Schools Adjust Timings Amidst Rising Summer Heat

Heatwave Challenges for Students in Assam

As summer temperatures soar, students in Assam are facing the challenge of extreme heat while adhering to their school schedules. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing daily warnings about the heatwave, indicating that elevated temperatures are expected to continue for several days. This year, summer has arrived earlier than usual, with May temperatures already reaching levels typically seen in July and August.

In light of the ongoing heatwave, Assam's Education Minister, Dr. Ranoj Pegu, authorized District Commissioners (DCs) on June 10 to modify school timings according to local weather conditions. He emphasized the importance of vigilance among DCs to make necessary adjustments for the safety and welfare of students. This precautionary measure grants district authorities the discretion to determine the best course of action for their regions.

Following this directive, the District Commissioner of Kamrup Metro issued an order on June 11 to adjust school hours for all government, provincialized, and private institutions in the district. The new timings are effective immediately and will remain in effect until June 16, prioritizing public health and minimizing students' exposure to the intense midday heat.

Schools have been instructed to hold morning assemblies indoors or in shaded areas rather than on open grounds. All outdoor activities are suspended until further notice. To ensure students stay hydrated, schools are required to ring 'water bells' three to four times daily and provide sufficient drinking water. Additionally, authorities must ensure that fans are operational and classrooms are well-ventilated.

Despite these measures, many parents and teachers believe that the adjustments, while well-meaning, do not provide substantial relief.

One parent expressed concern about the new schedule adding to their child's stress. 'My son usually boards the bus at 7:45 am and returns in the evening. He goes to bed by 10 pm after finishing his homework and spending time with family to get at least eight hours of sleep. With the new schedule, the bus will arrive an hour earlier, forcing him to wake up earlier while still needing to go to bed at the same time. He won't get enough sleep, and it's particularly exhausting during summer,' the parent explained.

A teacher from a government school in Kamrup Metro highlighted the difficulties posed by inadequate infrastructure for both students and teachers. 'It's challenging for everyone. Unlike private schools, our classrooms lack air conditioning, and students do not have access to buses. The heat, overcrowding, and power outages exacerbate the situation,' she noted.

Another parent questioned the effectiveness of merely changing school hours when the hottest part of the day remains unchanged. 'What’s the point of rescheduling? The peak temperatures occur between 12 pm and 2 pm, which is when children are still in school. I hope the administration considers more effective solutions beyond just altering school timings,' the parent remarked.

Under the new schedule, Lower Primary Schools will operate from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, Middle Schools from 7:30 am to 12 pm, and Higher Secondary Schools from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Students are also feeling the impact. A sixth-grade student from a private school in Guwahati stated, 'I wish summer vacations started earlier. It’s really hot in class.'

The prevailing sentiment among parents, teachers, and students is that merely rescheduling classes is insufficient. A more comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle the escalating issue of extreme heat.

Some have proposed declaring early summer vacations or temporarily shifting to online or hybrid learning during peak heatwaves. Others advocate for government initiatives to enhance school infrastructure, such as installing coolers, ensuring backup power, and alleviating classroom overcrowding.

While the current measures aim to protect children, they also underscore the limitations of temporary solutions in the face of worsening climate conditions. As temperatures continue to rise annually, it may be time for Assam's education system to implement more sustainable strategies to ensure the health and learning of students.