Pune: School Hours Changed in Maharashtra Due to Intense Summer Heat
Pune, 29th March 2025: Amid rising temperatures and the risk of heatwaves, the Maharashtra government has directed all schools in the state to shift to morning sessions.
According to the revised schedule, primary schools across all mediums and managements will function from 7:00 AM to 11:15 AM, while secondary schools will operate from 7:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Any modifications to this schedule will require approval from the Chief Executive Officer of the respective Zilla Parishad.
The decision was announced through a joint circular issued by Sharad Gosavi, Director of Primary Education, and Sampat Suryavanshi, Director of Secondary Education. The move follows guidelines issued by the Revenue and Forest Department to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on students.
In addition to the revised timings, schools have been instructed to implement several measures to protect students from heat-related illnesses. These include:
Avoiding outdoor physical activities during peak summer hours.
Prohibiting classes from being conducted in open fields.
Ensuring classroom fans are functional.
Providing students with cold drinking water.
Encouraging students to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, grapes, pineapple, cucumber, and other locally available produce.
Advising students to wear light, loose-fitting, cotton clothing in light colors.
Promoting the use of umbrellas, hats, towels, and other protective coverings for the head.
Recommending students wear shoes or slippers while outdoors.
Advising students to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun.
The decision to alter school schedules comes after multiple representations from various organizations, highlighting the adverse health effects of extreme heat on students.
