Vaishali administration suspends school activities up to Class 8 amid Bihar heatwave
Patna, May 25
Amid continuing heatwave conditions in Vaishali, the district administration has ordered the suspension of all academic and non-academic activities for children up to Class 8 till May 31.
Varsha Singh, the District Magistrate of Vaishali, issued the directive citing concerns over children's health and safety as temperatures and heatwave conditions continue to intensify across the district.
According to the order, all government and private schools up to Class 8, along with pre-schools and Anganwadi Centres, will remain closed for academic and extracurricular activities until further directions.
The District Magistrate instructed all school administrations to ensure strict compliance with the order and clarified that children must not be assembled on school premises during the restricted period under any circumstances.
The district administration has also informed the Education Department, Police Department, Health Department, and Block Development Officers regarding the implementation of the directive.
Varsha Singh stated that the administration is closely monitoring the health situation of children and has directed educational institutions to reschedule postponed academic and non-academic activities for a later period.
Health experts have meanwhile advised parents to keep children indoors during peak afternoon hours due to the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.
Parents have been urged to ensure adequate fluid intake for children, including water, ORS, and lemon water, while also encouraging light meals during the extreme heat conditions.
The administration further advised that children showing symptoms of dehydration or heatstroke should immediately be taken to the nearest health centre for medical attention.
Officials said the preventive measure has been taken to safeguard children from the ongoing heatwave and reduce health risks across the district.
Meanwhile, the temperatures in the maximum districts of Bihar are remaining above 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.
Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Rohtas, Arwal and Jehanabad have the highest temperatures. The situation in the state capital, Patna, also remains similar, with the temperature remaining above 40 degrees along with high humidity.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some admin action! Last summer my nephew fainted in school in Patna. 👎 Children are not built for this heat. But why only up to Class 8? Even older kids suffer. At least till Class 10 should get relief too. Exams can wait...
Sensible precaution, but let's not forget how many government schools lack fans and coolers even in normal times, chai! Maybe the administration should also declare summer hours for offices and construction workers. Heatwave doesn't spare anyone. Still, big relief for small children and working parents who can now plan better. 😊
While I appreciate this, why always reactive? Every year Bihar faces same heatwave. Can't we plan for summer holidays proactively? Also hope the administration doesn't forget to check water availability and cooler facilities in schools for when they reopen. Children's health first, indeed.
Makes sense. I work in an NGO here and we've seen heat-related illnesses spike in kids. This order could save many from dehydration. But one request to parents: the administration says ORS and lemon water, but ensure kids get electrolytes, not just sugary drinks. Also, monitor them for signs like dizziness or headache.
Great move, but a small criticism: why announce suspension till May 31, but then say 'until further directions'? Confusion for parents who need to plan work. Also, many private schools will still try to conduct online classes which defeat the purpose of rest. Please strictly enforce no online activities during these days. Children need genuine break from heat and screens.
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