As Rajasthan reels under a brutal heatwave, Jaipur district administration has revised school timings to protect young students. From April 27, classes for students up to Class 8 will run from 7:30 AM to noon, announced District Collector Sandesh Nayak following a key meeting with education department heads.
This adjustment targets the peak afternoon heat, when temperatures routinely surpass 40°C in more than 10 districts. Recent records show Chittorgarh topping daytime highs and Barmer the warmest nights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts sustained clear weather, with temperatures climbing another 2°C in the coming days and heatwave conditions intensifying between April 23 and 25.
Strict enforcement is mandated, with penalties under disaster management act for non-compliance. High humidity in Jaipur has compounded the discomfort, affecting daily life especially for schoolchildren and vulnerable groups. Warnings extend to eastern and western Rajasthan districts like Bharatpur, Kota, and Bikaner, where 40°C-plus heat persists.
Gusty winds in Jodhpur may offer minor respite, but experts doubt significant cooling. By shifting to morning hours, authorities are safeguarding children’s well-being, setting a model for heatwave management in education amid escalating climate challenges.
