The Odisha government on Friday ordered all schools across the state to advance their summer vacations in view of the scorching heat.

Bhubaneswar: In view of the severe heat wave in Odisha, the government on Friday announced advance summer vacations for students and closure of all schools in the state from April 27. Keeping in mind the safety and well-being of students, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the proposal submitted by the School and Mass Education (SME) Department to advance the summer vacations, the Chief Minister's Office said.

The Chief Minister's Office said all government and private educational institutions will remain closed from April 27. The government has taken this step to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, given the significant rise in temperatures in several districts.

Exams will be held as per schedule

An order issued by the Odisha government stated that all government, government-aided, and private schools in the state will close for summer vacation from April 27. However, previously scheduled examinations, census work, and other official work will continue as usual.

Earlier, holidays used to be after May.

Officials said that summer vacation for students in the state typically begins after the first week of May. However, the proposal to advance summer vacation was made because temperatures in several districts have risen above 40 degrees Celsius in recent days. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Chandra Pujari also stated that in light of the rising temperatures, Anganwadi centers will also be closed soon and arrangements will be made to deliver rations to children door-to-door.

Temperature crosses 40 degrees in Odisha

At least 24 locations in Odisha recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above on Thursday. The Meteorological Department has predicted that as the heat reaches its peak in the coming days, daytime temperatures could rise to around 45 degrees Celsius in some parts of the state.

 PC:India TV