Pune: State Implements Morning School Hours To Combat Heatwave; Dual-Session Schools May Face Challenges

Pune, 31st March 2025: Schools across Maharashtra have been directed to conduct classes during morning hours in response to the ongoing heatwave. However, this decision is expected to pose challenges for schools operating in two sessions, as well as create transportation issues for students and disrupt the schedules of working parents.

Former Head of Maharashtra School Principals Association Mahendra Ganpule highlighted the difficulties schools with dual sessions might face. He explained that conducting classes only in the morning could lead to scheduling conflicts, as a minimum of four academic hours is necessary. He also pointed out that the revised timings could inconvenience working and business-class parents, whose year-round schedules would be disrupted. He further added that transportation providers would also need to adjust their timings to accommodate the new schedule.

The decision to switch to morning classes comes after the state’s Revenue and Forest Department recently issued guidelines through a circular, cautioning against the health risks posed by the heatwave. Several organizations had submitted petitions to the state government, urging schools to shift their timings to protect students from the adverse effects of rising temperatures.

As per the new directive, all primary schools, across all mediums and managements, will operate from 7:00 am to 11:15 am, while secondary schools will function from 7:00 am to 11:45 am. However, district councils have the authority to modify the schedule with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, according to a circular issued by Sharad Gosavi, Director of Primary Education, and Sampat Suryavanshi, Director of Secondary Education.

For schools running in two sessions, authorities have been given the flexibility to make adjustments at their level. Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh suggested that schools could consider starting classes for younger children earlier in the morning, while for students in higher classes, who can better endure the heat comparatively, could be scheduled slightly later. Singh emphasized that the primary objective behind the morning schedule is to prevent students from suffering heatstroke or related health issues.