Heatwave prompts MP to push teacher reporting in schools to June 7

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh govt on Sunday extended teachers’ summer vacation by one week in response to an escalating heatwave, officials said, while fixing June 16 as the start date for the new academic session for students.An order from the School Education Department moved the teacher reporting date from June 1 to June 7.The department cited prolonged high temperatures, exceeding 42 degrees Celsius in several districts, as well as ongoing teacher commitments such as census duties and board examination work, saying the extension was intended to protect staff health and ensure preparedness for the term ahead.“The decision has been taken keeping in mind the health of the teachers and the prevailing weather conditions,” the Department of Public Instruction stated in a statement. Schools will welcome students when the academic year begins on June 16, when the state will also launch its School Chalen Hum (Let’s Go to School) campaign and the Shala Prarambh Utsav (School Commencement Festival), officials added.Education authorities said the staggered schedule will allow teachers to complete administrative tasks related to examinations and the census without being exposed to peak daytime heat. Local education officers have been asked to monitor conditions and make necessary arrangements to ensure a safe reopening.The Madhya Pradesh govt on Sunday extended teachers’ summer vacation by one week in response to an escalating heatwave, officials said, while fixing June 16 as the start date for the new academic session for students.An order from the School Education Department moved the teacher reporting date from June 1 to June 7.The department cited prolonged high temperatures, exceeding 42 degrees Celsius in several districts, as well as ongoing teacher commitments such as census duties and board examination work, saying the extension was intended to protect staff health and ensure preparedness for the term ahead.“The decision has been taken keeping in mind the health of the teachers and the prevailing weather conditions,” the Department of Public Instruction stated in a statement.Schools will welcome students when the academic year begins on June 16, when the state will also launch its School Chalen Hum campaign and the Shala Prarambh Utsav (School Commencement Festival), officials added.Education authorities said the staggered schedule will allow teachers to complete administrative tasks related to examinations and the census without being exposed to peak daytime heat. Local education officers have been asked to monitor conditions and make necessary arrangements to ensure a safe reopening.The move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the severe heatwave on public services and vulnerable populations across Madhya Pradesh. Meteorological offices have warned that high temperatures may persist in some regions, prompting authorities to review relief measures and advisories for schools and other institutions.