School Reopening in Vidarbha Postponed to June 22 Due to Intense Heat

The State Education Department has decided to reschedule the school reopening date due to the ongoing severe heatwave and unusually high temperatures in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It was previously announced that all government and private schools in the state would reopen on June 15 for the 2026-27 academic year.

However, given that temperatures in Vidarbha have soared above 40 degrees Celsius, reaching up to 47 degrees in some areas, authorities have ordered schools in the region to open on June 22, prioritising the health and safety of the students.

The Maharashtra Education Department has said that the current temperatures in the Vidarbha region could pose a risk to students. Daytime temperatures have remained above 40 degrees Celsius for the past few weeks, reaching up to 47 degrees in some areas, while the expected monsoon rains have yet to arrive, and there are no clear signs of the heat subsiding. Given these circumstances and prioritising the health and safety of students, the school reopening date has been postponed by one week.

According to the directive issued by the Education Department, schools in the Vidarbha region will reopen on June 22, 2026. Classes will be held in the morning shift from June 22 to June 30, and regular scheduling will resume from July 1. This rule applies to all state board schools at the primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels.

The Education Department has issued important directives to all schools in Vidarbha. Schools must ensure the availability of good drinking water, an uninterrupted electricity supply, primary healthcare facilities, emergency medical assistance, and a safe environment for students. These measures will help ensure the safety of students during the hot weather.

Students should be aware of a few things before school starts. They need to drink an excess of water, cover their heads when going outdoors, wear light and comfortable clothing, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and seek medical advice promptly if they feel unwell. These habits will help maintain good health during the hot weather.

Typically, temperatures drop somewhat when the monsoon sets in during June. However, the monsoon's progress has been slow this year; rainfall has been insufficient, soil moisture is low, and temperatures remain unusually high. For this reason, the Education Department has taken precautionary measures.

I am writing about this matter because the decision to alter school opening schedules will directly impact millions of students, teachers, and parents. Health risks to children due to the heat have become a major concern, and there is a simultaneous need to formulate new plans regarding the academic calendar, class schedules, and student safety.