schools-in-west-bengal-tailor-hours-due-to-heat

Amid scorching heat across West Bengal, the state education board has advised schools to adjust class timings to mitigate the effects of extreme weather conditions.

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, referring to a directive from the school education department on June 11, urged state-run and state-aided schools to collaborate with stakeholders to tailor school hours without disrupting the academic calendar and mid-day meal programme.

The advisory, highlighting the importance of considering local weather conditions, particularly in cities and districts of south Bengal, emphasized flexibility in scheduling to ensure students' well-being.

According to WBBSE deputy secretary Rhitabrata Chatterjee, areas like North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and others have been experiencing temperatures ranging between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.

While the advisory did not specify any particular zone, a school education department official clarified that it aimed to address the challenges faced by students in extreme heat.

The official noted that many primary and upper primary schools had already adjusted their schedules to morning hours to alleviate the discomfort caused by high temperatures.

"We have enabled every institute, even at secondary and higher secondary levels, to tweak class hours according to their convenience for the benefit of students and staff till the weather condition improves," the official added.