Assam news: School timings change in Dibrugarh, Kamrup, Cachar, other districts amid heatwaves, govt issues guidelines

A circular issued by the Assam government announced change in timings of all government and private schools in the Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Kamrup and other districts starting Saturday, September 21. The decision was taken in view of the ongoing heatwave in the district.

The order signed by the Inspector of Schools cum District Elementary Education Officer, Dibrugarh, stated that schools should follow the mentioned guidelines "to combat the ill-effects of heatwave till further notice".

“It is for general information to all Principal/Head Master/Head Teacher of Private/State/Central schools of Dibrugarh district affiliated with AHSEC/SEBA/ICSE/CBSE that due to ongoing heatwave in Dibrugarh district, in due consultation with The District Commissioner, Dibrugarh the following guidelines are to be observed by schools to combat the ill-effects of heatwave till further notice,” stated the order shared by news agency ANI on Saturday.

What did the order say?

1. School hours may start early and end accordingly. Classes may begin from 8.00 AM onwards.

2. School assemblies can be held inside the class and the duration can be reduced

3. Students can be advised to not wear waistcoats or ties and could wear sandals if they were uncomfortable in shoes.

4. Schools should ensure that all fans are functional and all classrooms are properly ventilated. In case of power cuts, alternate power backups must be arranged.

School timings in Kamrup and other districts

School timings have also been changed in the Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam. The order was issued for Kamrup Metro, Hailakandi, Cachar and other districts, local reports added.

The Chief Minister of Assam shared the order that stated: “The DEEO (i/c) cum District Mission Coordinator SSA, Kamrup Metro, in consultation with the District Commissioner, Kamrup Metro, has informed all principal/headmaster/headteacher of private/state government/central government schools functioning under Kamrup Metro district that due to the ongoing heatwave in the district, the following guidelines should be strictly followed by schools in order to avoid the ill-effects of the heatwave until further notice.”

The guidelines stated:

1. School hours may start at 7.30 AM and get over before or at 12.30 noon

2. All heads of the institutions should ensure that morning assemblies are conducted inside the classrooms.

3. School should ensure that students drink sufficient water and ensure enough drinking water facilities inside the school

4. Students are advised to not wear waistcoats or ties.

5. Schools should ensure that all fans are functional and all classrooms are properly ventilated. In case of power cuts, alternate power backups must be arranged.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner, Sonitpur, Assam, said, “Due to the prevailing extreme heatwave and in view of ensuring safety and wellbeing of students, the school timings of all Government, Provincialised and Private schools under Sonitpur District have been advanced and rescheduled with immediate effect.”