Why Is There So Much Confusion?
The heart of the problem lies in the administrative overlap between two extreme weather events. For weeks, state governments and district authorities across northern India issued and extended school closures to protect children from a blistering heatwave.
[20] Now, as the monsoon advances, some of these heatwave-related orders are still in effect, while new directives—or a lack thereof—are creating a patchwork of conflicting information. In many cases, state-level announcements have been superseded by last-minute orders from District Magistrates (DMs) based on local conditions, leaving parents scrambling. [17] This has led to a situation where schools in one district might be closed while those in a neighbouring one are open, creating widespread uncertainty. [17]
Uttar Pradesh: A Case of Shifting Dates
Uttar Pradesh provides a clear example of this administrative whirlwind. The state government initially extended summer vacations for schools under the Basic Education Council until June 24 due to the severe heatwave, with classes scheduled to resume on June 25. [5, 9, 14] This decision was made to create a uniform academic calendar and prevent district-level authorities from repeatedly issuing their own extensions. [9] While students were set to return on June 25, teachers and non-teaching staff were asked to report from June 22 to finalise preparations for the new academic session. [5, 14] However, the arrival of pre-monsoon showers in parts of the state has added another layer, with parents watching for any last-minute changes, even as the official reopening date of June 25 stands. [5]
Bihar: A Tale of Two Timetables
In Bihar, the situation is even more complex. The Patna district administration, citing persistent heatwave conditions, ordered all schools (both government and private) to remain closed for students up to Class 8 until June 27. [4, 6, 7, 8] This order was issued by the Patna DM to safeguard younger children from health risks. [4, 7] Simultaneously, the state's Education Department issued a separate directive for the entire state, revising school timings to an earlier morning schedule from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, effective until June 30, to avoid the afternoon heat. [23, 24] This has created confusion where schools in Patna are closed for younger students but potentially open with revised timings for older students, and schools outside Patna follow the state's morning schedule. The state has also authorised DMs to make further changes based on local weather, ensuring the situation remains fluid. [23]
What Should Parents Do?
Given the fluid and often contradictory information, parents are advised to prioritise official communication channels. The most reliable source of information is direct communication from your child’s school, whether through an official app, email, or a WhatsApp group. Secondly, keep an eye on announcements from your local District Magistrate's office, as their orders often override broader state directives. [17] Be cautious of rumours circulating on social media and always seek verification from a trusted source. For now, the best approach is to assume the latest official directive is the one in effect, but be prepared for last-minute changes as administrations grapple with this unprecedented transition from one weather extreme to another.
