Lucknow: In Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the government has made a significant decision, prioritising the safety, health, and quality education of children. In light of the increasing heat and heatwave conditions in the state, the summer vacation period for schools affiliated with and controlled by the Basic Education Council has been extended until June 24.
What is the reason of extension?
In view of the heat and heat wave, the duration of summer vacation has been extended in the state’s council and recognized basic schools. Summer vacation will be held from May 20 to June 24 each year. The purpose of this decision is to ensure the health of students during the intense heat.
On June 21, children and teachers will celebrate Yoga Day together then children will return to school from June 25.
What did the official say?
Additional Chief Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma, has issued an order in this regard. Until now, the Basic Education Council’s academic calendar had scheduled summer vacation from May 20 to June 15 each year. Schools reopened on June 16. Now, children will return to school on June 25.
In response to the extreme heat and heat waves experienced over the past few years, district magistrates have had to decide on local holiday extensions. Keeping this in mind, the government has decided to permanently extend the holiday period.
What about the teachers?
According to the order, all teachers, Shiksha Mitra (teachers), instructors, and non-teaching staff will be present in school on June 22, 23, and 24, before classes resume after the summer vacation. During this time, they will complete preparations for the new session.
During these days, teachers will prepare lesson plans, ensure arrangements for mid-day meals, review the availability of textbooks and hold meetings to increase the participation of the school management committee and the community, so that regular studies can begin as soon as the children arrive.
What about Yoga Day?
Instructions have been given to organize yoga programs in schools on June 21, International Yoga Day.
Every year, on June 21, International Yoga Day, schools will conduct group yoga exercises with the participation of teachers and students. In an academic year, teaching is mandatory for at least 220 working days in elementary schools.
Additionally, districts will consider the provisions of the RTE Act and the mandatory number of academic days before declaring holidays based on local conditions. Even before schools reopened on June 16th, teachers had been demanding an extension of the summer vacation.
