Heat wave conditions: Students and parents worry over Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to reopen schools for half-day from June 12

Many school students and parents are worried about the State government’s last-minute decision to reopen schools for half-day from June 12

At a time when extremely high temperatures are forcing the people to stay indoors across the State for the past few days, many school students and parents are worried about the State government’s last-minute decision to reopen schools for half-day from June 12.

On June 10, Visakhapatnam had recorded the highest temperature of 44.6° Celsius at the airport.

According to the circular issued by the Commissioner of School Education on June 11 (Sunday), the State government has decided to change the timings of schools from 7.30 am to 11.30 a.m.(from June 12 to June 17). Lunch (mid-day meal) and ‘Ragi Java’ should continue to be served from June 12.

The government took the decision based on the recommendations made by the India Meteorological Department and the AP State Medical and Health Department.

A.P. Private Schools Parents Association president S. Hemant Kumar said, “Government’s decision should be reconsidered keeping in view the extreme heat conditions across the State. Government can opt for online education like during COVID-19 time, instead of half-day.”

GITAM University Civil Engineering faculty Darapu Srikanth said that instead of reopening the schools with limited hours on June 12, they should postpone it completely for another week for sake of the little kids.

Ameer, a government school teacher, said, “Last year also many schools reopened in July. However, the delay in the reopening of schools will affect admissions to public sector schools as parents turn to private schools. Private schools also take advantage of the situation.”