Ahmedabad: Rising temperatures across Gujarat in the past few days raised concerns about the health and safety of school students. In view of the increasing heat, the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) Gujarat recommended that the state govt change school timings to morning hours until the start of the summer vacation.
According to sources, the mercury already crossed 40°C in several parts of the state and is expected to rise further in the coming days. Considering the situation, the educational body submitted a written representation to the state education minister, Praful Pansheriya, urging the govt to revise school timings for primary, secondary and higher secondary schools.
In the letter, ABRSM expressed concern about rising temperatures and the difficulties students face due to the heat. It stated that the heat intensity increases significantly after 11am, making it uncomfortable for students to attend school during regular hours. The Met department also predicted the possibility of heatwave-like conditions in the coming days.
The organization pointed out that excessive heat causes problems for students while commuting to and from school, particularly during the afternoon hours. Younger students are more vulnerable to heat-related health issues, which may also affect their ability to concentrate on studies and participate effectively in academic activities.
ABRSM Gujarat president Mitesh Bhatt said that similar measures were taken in previous years when temperatures rose sharply. Keeping the current situation in mind, he urged the govt to prioritize students’ health and safety by shifting the timings of govt and grant-in-aid schools to morning sessions until the summer vacation begins.
