As the heatwave continues to intensify in Ludhiana, parents are increasingly worried about sending their children to school in the scorching heat. Many parents and students have urged the government to declare early summer holidays to protect children from the extreme weather conditions.
Double-shift schools worst affected
Students attending double-shift schools are the most impacted, as their classes start at 12:30 pm, which coincides with peak heatwave hours, and continue until 5:30 pm. Around 15 schools in Ludhiana operate in double shifts, including Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Govt Smart School, PM Shri Govt Senior Secondary School on Cemetery Road, and Govt Multipurpose Senior Secondary School, among others.
Parents express concern
Parents have voiced their concerns about the adverse effects of the heat on their children. Rambabu, a parent, said, "My children feel exhausted and dehydrated after walking to school in this extreme heat. The government should consider the situation and announce holidays as soon as possible."
Students are also seeking relief from the oppressive heat. Gurvinder, a Class IX student, stated, "The temperature is not comfortable for us. There should be an early summer break, and if the weather improves, schools can call us back earlier."
Teachers face additional challenges
For teachers, the situation is even more challenging as they are also engaged in census duties alongside their teaching responsibilities. A government school teacher remarked, "If the government declares early holidays, teachers will get some relief as we are juggling teaching with census duties in this weather."
Official response
Deputy District Education Officer Amandeep Singh said, "Currently, there are no such orders regarding early summer holidays for Punjab schools. If we receive any official notification, it will be implemented immediately."
