Kolkata, April 17: The West Bengal government’s decision to close all Schools, colleges, and universities in the state for a week due to the prevailing heatwave conditions has been widely welcomed.
The decision was taken in the wake of high temperatures in the state, with maximum temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius recorded for the last three days. The meteorological department has predicted that heatwave conditions will continue until April 19.
The closure of schools, colleges, and universities is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff members from the extreme heat conditions. The state government has also issued advisories to people to take necessary precautions to prevent heatstroke and dehydration.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while speaking to media persons, urged private schools and colleges in the state to follow the government guidelines. She also requested people avoid going out between noon and 4 pm to shield themselves from the heatwave.
According to a notification issued by the West Bengal government, all autonomous/state/central government-aided, sponsored, and private schools in West Bengal will remain closed, except for schools in the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.
Teaching and non-teaching staff will also be on leave during this period, or until schools reopen. The notice further stated that the teaching and non-teaching staff of schools should make suitable arrangements for conducting extra classes after educational institutions re-open to compensate for the loss due to the closure.
The decision to close educational institutions has been widely supported by parents and students. Many have expressed their relief on social media, lauding the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of students and staff members.
However, some have also raised concerns about the impact of the closure on academic schedules and the future of students.
Overall, the closure of educational institutions is a necessary measure to tackle the ongoing heatwave conditions and to ensure the safety of students and staff members in the state. The government’s advisories to people to take necessary precautions to prevent heatstroke and dehydration must also be heeded by all.
