A recent circular has been issued announcing changes in the timings of both government and private schools in districts such as Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, and Kamrup starting from Saturday, September 21. This decision was made due to the ongoing heatwave in the region.
The order, signed by the Inspector of Schools cum District Elementary Education Officer, outlined guidelines that schools must follow to combat the negative effects of the heatwave until further notice.
According to the order, schools are advised to start their hours earlier, with classes beginning at 8.00 AM. School assemblies can be conducted inside the classrooms and their duration can be shortened. Additionally, students are encouraged to not wear waistcoats or ties and can opt for sandals if they find shoes uncomfortable.
Furthermore, schools are instructed to ensure that all fans are working and classrooms are properly ventilated. In case of power outages, alternate power sources must be arranged.
Similar changes in school timings have also been implemented in districts like Kamrup Metro, Hailakandi, and Cachar. The guidelines in these districts include starting school at 7.30 AM and finishing by 12.30 noon, conducting morning assemblies indoors, providing enough drinking water facilities, advising students against wearing waistcoats or ties, and ensuring proper ventilation and functional fans in classrooms.
In Sonitpur district, the District Commissioner has advanced and rescheduled school timings immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of students in light of the extreme heatwave conditions.