Govt asks schools to follow heat precautions

HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Thursday directed all private and government schools in the Capital to comply with the Union ministry of education’s guidelines for schools to combat the ill-effects of the impact of the heatwave even as parent groups continue to seek suspension of all activities in schools.

Last week, the Union ministry issued guidelines that suggested reduced school timings, curtailed outdoor activity and flexibility in dress code, among other precautions for dealing with heatwave conditions. While sharing the guidelines with schools on Thursday, the state Directorate of Education

(DOE) asked them to adhere to the guidelines and precautions outlined by the ministry.

With mercury touching 45°C in several areas on multiple occasions this month, HT on Tuesday reported that a majority of private schools in Delhi have already commenced summer vacations even as some switched to online classes till they break for vacations.

Parent groups, meanwhile, reiterated their demand for early closure in view of the heat.

Aprajita Gautam, president, Delhi Parents Association, said the body wrote to the chief minister, Lieutenant Governor, and other stakeholders on Monday, calling for an immediate suspension of school activities, but no relief was offered by the government.

Gautam said while the government had shared guidelines on Thursday, they were not enough.

“This is not enough at a time when students are going to school in the sweltering heat. Due to the heatwave conditions, children are falling sick. However, the government has not taken sufficient steps for the safety of children. We don’t want any mishaps to take place with the children,” said Gautam.

“Summer vacations in schools should be declared immediately without delay,” said Gautam.

Sumit Vohra, whose children study in DPS Vasant Kunj, said that while the school started summer vacation for junior students, classes for senior students will continue till May 28. Vohra said that parents were in favour of early vacation. “We are of the view that summer vacation should be brought forward as the temperature is very high. My children are exhausted by the time they get home,” said Vohra.

Many private schools have advanced their summer vacations early amid the heat, and remedial classes and classes for senior students are underway in others.

Lata Vaidyanathan, director, Gyan Bharti School, Saket, said while the school had declared summer break for primary and middle classes, sessions for grades 10 and 12 will go on till May 21.

“Remedial classes are taking place for students to plug the learning gaps. These classes take place only till 12.30pm and will wrap up soon,” said Vaidyanathan.

She said online interventions were not an optimum solution for bridging the learning gap since these gaps had risen on account of inadequate access to online classes during the pandemic.

Officials from the Delhi government’s education department did not respond to requests seeking a comment.

Remedial classes are taking place for students to plug the learning gaps.

Director, Gyan Bharti School, Saket