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Key Points

Chhattisgarh has revised school timings to protect students from extreme heat as the new academic year begins. The state celebrated the reopening with Shala Pravesh Utsav, featuring welcoming ceremonies and sweets for students. The government has also addressed teacher shortages by ensuring every school has at least one educator. CM Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the state’s commitment to 100% literacy and reducing dropouts.

Key Points: Chhattisgarh adjusts school timings amid heatwave as new session begins

  • Schools to operate 7 AM–11 AM for a week due to heatwave
  • New academic session starts with festive Shala Pravesh Utsav
  • Govt ensures every school now has at least one teacher
  • CM Sai launches Mukhyamantri Shiksha Gunvatta Abhiyan
2 min read

Chhattisgarh revises school hours for a week amid heatwave as new session begins

Chhattisgarh revises school hours to 7 AM–11 AM for a week due to heatwave while celebrating Shala Pravesh Utsav.

"We aim for zero dropout rates by Class 12 and 100% literacy – CM Vishnu Deo Sai"

Raipur, June 16

In response to the ongoing heatwaves across several regions of Chhattisgarh, the state government has revised school timings for a week from June 17 to 21.

As per the directive issued by the School Education Department, all government and private schools will now function from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. -- a precautionary measure to protect students from the harsh midday sun. Regular school hours will resume from June 23 onward.

Amid this weather-conscious adjustment, the new academic session officially began on June 16 with a vibrant start across the state. Schools reopened with the celebration of the “Shala Pravesh Utsav (School Admission Festival)", marked by warm welcomes, sweets, and cheerful ceremonies.

At various schools in Raipur, teachers greeted students with a 'tilak' and distributed sweets, setting a festive tone for the year ahead. Similar scenes unfolded in Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Raigarh, Durg, and Bhilai, where educators embraced returning students with enthusiasm.

Raipur District Education Officer Vijay Khandelwal announced that the admission festival will continue with block-level events on June 18 and a district-level celebration at a Girls’ School on June 20. These events aim to boost enrollment and ensure that no child is left behind at the start of the academic year.

The state government has also made significant strides in school rationalisation. Previously, 212 primary and 48 pre-secondary schools operated without a single teacher. Additionally, over 7,000 schools were functioning with only one teacher. Through a comprehensive restructuring effort, the government has now ensured that every school in Chhattisgarh has at least one teacher.

Meanwhile, 166 underutilised schools have been merged, and institutions with zero student enrollment have been reassessed.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who welcomed new students in schools through a message on his X handle on Monday, emphasised the state’s commitment to achieving 100 per cent literacy.

In a letter to education officials, he reiterated the goal of reducing the school dropout rate to zero by Class 12, in line with the National Education Policy 2020. He also launched the “Mukhyamantri Shiksha Gunvatta Abhiyan (Quality Campaign)”, aimed at enhancing learning outcomes in government schools.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good decision by the Chhattisgarh government! 👏 The heatwave is unbearable these days, and children's health should be the top priority. Starting early is a smart move - our grandparents always said "subah ka bhagwan" (morning is blessed) for a reason!
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Priya M.
While the timing change is welcome, what about proper infrastructure? Many schools in rural areas don't even have fans or drinking water facilities. The government should focus on these basics too. The Shala Pravesh Utsav is a nice initiative though - makes education joyful for kids.
A
Ankit S.
As a parent, I appreciate this thoughtful measure. My daughter's school bus used to come at noon in peak heat - it was worrying. Hope other states learn from Chhattisgarh's example during extreme weather conditions. The admission festival sounds lovely too - education with celebration!
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Sunita T.
The teacher rationalization is the real achievement here! 7,000 schools with just one teacher? Shocking! Glad the government is addressing this. Quality education needs proper staffing first. The heatwave adjustment is temporary, but teacher shortage was a chronic problem. Good work!
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Vikram J.
The CM's focus on 100% literacy and zero dropouts is commendable, but will need more than festivals. Need better mid-day meals, scholarships, and vocational training to retain students, especially girls, in higher classes. The early timing is good, but long-term solutions matter more.
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Neha P.
Love the traditional touch with tilak and sweets! 🎉 This makes school reopening special. In our race for marks, we often forget the human aspect of education. Small gestures like these create beautiful memories and positive association with schooling. More states should adopt this!

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