Pune Records 41.4°C as Heatwave Hits Schools, Parents Demand Schedule Change
Pune Records 41.4°C as Heatwave Hits Schools, Parents Demand Schedule Change
Education Minister Dada Bhuse instructs school to start and end early
Maharashtra is facing peak summer heat in March, affecting school attendance. Teachers report an 18-25% drop in daily student headcount over the past week. Parents say children feel exhausted due to long travel in cramped autorickshaws and buses. Those walking or using public transport also struggle.
On Wednesday, Pune recorded its hottest March day at 41.4°C, with several districts experiencing high daytime temperatures. The extreme heat has led to concerns about school schedules and student well-being.
On Thursday, Education Minister Dada Bhuse announced that local civic bodies across the state must adjust school timings. Exams will begin by 8 am so students can return home before noon. Schools must release students immediately after exams to avoid afternoon heat exposure.
According to TOI, this year, the state government extended the academic year by two weeks, pushing exams for Classes I to IX until April 25, with results on May 1. Previously, schools closed by April 10. The Maharashtra State Federation of Primary Teachers raised concerns, receiving over 1,000 objections from parents, especially from Vidarbha and Marathwada, where summers are harsher.
Many schools report students falling sick due to the heat, with some cases of heatstroke. Educators warn that extreme temperatures could affect students’ performance.
The state mandates 200 school days for Classes I to IV and 220 days for Classes V to IX. Officials argue that early exams could leave the syllabus incomplete, impacting students’ reading, writing, and math skills.
With rising heat and growing concerns, parents and educators are urging the government to reconsider the new academic schedule.
