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Heat wave: Indian govt. directs schools to reduce hours

Supreme Desk
12 May 2022 3:50 PM GMT
Heat wave: Indian govt. directs schools to reduce hours
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A heat wave had sent the mercury soaring across India, with the temperature in New Delhi rising to 46 degrees centigrade.

India's federal education ministry, on Thursday issued guidelines for schools to combat the ill effects of the ongoing heat wave.

The guidelines said schools should reduce hours, relax uniform norms and restrict outdoor activities.

This followed India Meteorological Department's (IMD) declaration of a heat wave in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), from Friday.

The guideline reads: "School hours may start early and get over before noon. The timing may be from 7:00 a.m. local time onwards.

"The number of school hours per day may be reduced. Sports and other outdoor activities which expose students directly to the sunlight may be appropriately adjusted in the early morning.

"School assembly should be conducted in covered areas or classrooms with reduced timing. Similar care may be taken during dispersal after school is over.''

According to the directive, school buses and vans should not be overcrowded, and there should be drinking water and first aid kit available in every vehicle.

The ministry also said teachers should remind students to sip water from their water bottles at regular intervals.

In April, IMD said northwest and central India recorded the highest maximum temperatures for the month of April in 122 years.

India, on average, also recorded its warmest March in 122 years.

A heat wave had sent the mercury soaring across India, with the temperature in New Delhi rising to 46 degrees centigrade.

Therefore, the ministry said students must be allowed to wear loose and light-colored cotton outfits.

The ministry also said children are advised not to carry their foods as it might turn stale or get spoiled in the heat. Instead, it asked schools to provide hot-cooked and fresh meals under a government programme.

Additionally, schools must be equipped with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) sachets, and school personnel should be trained to provide first aid to students in case of mild heat stroke.

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