The Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA) has intensified its appeal to the newly elected BJP government to extend the current summer vacation for students.
· The general secretary of OSSTA emphasized the severity of the heatwave gripping several districts, where temperatures have soared between 38-40 degrees Celsius.
· Teachers across Odisha have voiced concerns about infrastructure challenges in schools, highlighting issues such as asbestos roofs, insufficient electrical equipment like fans, and inadequate access to drinking water.
· Highlighting the delayed onset of monsoon rains in Odisha, educators and parents have urged Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to intervene promptly.
· Minister Nityananda Gond stated that District Collectors have been tasked with assessing the heatwave conditions in their areas and implementing measures to safeguard students.
As Odisha grapples with scorching temperatures under a persistent heatwave, the Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA) has intensified its appeal to the newly elected BJP government to extend the current summer vacation for students. The scheduled reopening of schools on June 18 has sparked concerns among educators and parents alike, prompting calls for an extension until weather conditions stabilize.
Ranjan Kumar Das, general secretary of OSSTA, emphasized the severity of the heatwave gripping several districts, where temperatures have soared between 38-40 degrees Celsius. “Considering the health risks posed by these extreme temperatures, especially in schools lacking adequate ventilation and amenities, extending the summer holidays is crucial for safeguarding students,” Das stated.
Teachers have raised alarms over the infrastructure challenges in many schools across Odisha, citing asbestos roofs and insufficient electrical equipment like fans, coupled with inadequate access to drinking water. These conditions, they argue, create an unsafe environment for students amidst the blistering heat.
Highlighting the delayed onset of monsoon rains in Odisha, educators and parents have urged Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to intervene promptly. They stress the importance of prioritizing student welfare by prolonging the vacation period until temperatures moderate and weather conditions improve.
In response to these concerns, Odisha’s Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena assured that the state government is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond echoed the sentiment, indicating that District Collectors have been directed to evaluate the heatwave situation in their respective regions and take necessary actions to ensure student safety.
The collective plea for extended summer holidays reflects a shared commitment among educators, parents, and government officials to prioritize the well-being of students amidst challenging weather conditions. It underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate health risks and create a conducive learning environment in Odisha’s schools. As stakeholders await further developments, the focus remains on ensuring that educational institutions can reopen safely when conditions permit.
(With inputs from agencies)
