KKN Gurugram Desk | In light of the persistent and intense heatwave sweeping across Uttar Pradesh, the state government has officially extended the summer vacation for all government and private schools up to Class 8. Schools, which were initially scheduled to reopen on June 15, will now remain closed for an additional 15 days, as per a fresh directive issued by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board.

Rising Temperatures Prompt Urgent Action

With day-time temperatures consistently soaring above 45°C in several regions of the state, especially in central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, health concerns have escalated. Several reports of heat-related illnesses among children prompted swift action from education authorities and the Department of Basic Education.

Speaking to the media, a senior education department official said:

“Children are the most vulnerable during this kind of extreme weather. Considering the current heat index and advisories from the Meteorological Department, we had no choice but to delay the reopening of primary and middle schools across the state.”

 New School Reopening Date Announced

According to the official order issued on June 13, all schools affiliated with the UP Basic Education Council, including both government and private institutions, will now reopen on July 1, 2025. This change applies to schools running classes from Nursery to Class 8.

The order clearly states that no physical classes shall be conducted before the new reopening date. The directive is binding for all district education officers (DEOs) and school managements, who have been asked to circulate the information to students and parents immediately.

Which Schools Are Affected?

The extension of the summer break applies to:

• All UP Board-affiliated government schools

• Private schools up to Class 8 operating under UP Basic Education norms

• Madarsas and aided institutions under the council’s jurisdiction

• Anganwadi centers functioning in coordination with primary education programs

Senior secondary schools (Class 9 and above) may continue to operate at the discretion of the respective managements and depending on air-conditioning facilities, as per local district authorities’ recommendations.

 Focus on Child Health and Safety

The move prioritizes student safety, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where schools often lack the infrastructure to deal with extreme weather conditions, including:

• Lack of fans or air-conditioning

• Non-functional drinking water facilities

• Poor ventilation and overcrowded classrooms

Pediatricians have long warned about the effects of heat on children, including:

• Heat exhaustion

• Dehydration

• Skin rashes and infections

• Heat stroke in extreme cases

The UP Health Department has also issued alerts recommending limited outdoor activity for children during peak heat hours (11 am – 4 pm).

 Impact on Academic Calendar

While the vacation extension has been welcomed by many parents and teachers, it is likely to impact the academic calendar for the 2025-26 session:

• Schools may need to reduce holiday breaks later in the year.

• Weekend classes or bridge courses may be introduced to compensate for lost instructional hours.

• Mid-term assessments and curriculum pacing will need adjustments.

An education officer from Unnao district mentioned:

“The Board is expected to soon release a revised academic calendar to align with the new school reopening date. Schools will be advised on how to make up for the 15 days lost.”

 Previous Instances of Vacation Extensions

This is not the first time Uttar Pradesh has extended summer breaks due to extreme heat. Similar decisions were taken in:

• 2023, when schools reopened 10 days late in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal

• 2022, during an intense May-June heatwave across north India

• 2020, when the pandemic compounded heat-related school closures

The IMD (India Meteorological Department) has predicted monsoon onset around the last week of June, which may bring relief to heat-stricken regions.

 Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions

• Parents have mostly appreciated the decision. Many were hesitant to send children back to school amid the scorching temperatures.

• Teachers view it as a needed step, though it adds pressure to complete syllabus targets within a shorter span.

• Private school operators are concerned about the logistics of fee collection, salaries, and rescheduling co-curricular activities.

One parent in Lucknow, Anjali Srivastava, shared:

“I’m relieved the government acted on time. My son was falling ill frequently due to heat. Education is important, but health comes first.”

 What Education Authorities Are Saying

Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council Secretary, in the official statement, said:

“The heatwave conditions are severe and pose a direct threat to young students. We’ve taken a preventive approach to safeguard their health. A revised school schedule will be sent to all DEOs soon.”

He added that no online classes are mandated during this extended break, although schools are free to conduct voluntary summer engagement activities if they choose.

Districts with Highest Temperatures (June Week 2)

Source: IMD, June 2025 Bulletin

With temperatures reaching alarming levels across Uttar Pradesh, the government’s proactive decision to extend the summer vacation by 15 days reflects growing awareness around climate-induced academic disruptions. While this move ensures children’s health and safety, education administrators now face the challenge of recalibrating the school year to prevent academic loss.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for updates on the revised school calendar, upcoming monsoon forecasts, and more on the education beat across India.