Bhubaneswar, Jun 5: The Odisha government is considering an extension of the ongoing summer vacation in schools amid prevailing heatwave conditions across the state, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond indicated on Thursday.

Speaking on the possibility of extending the holidays, the minister said no final decision has been taken yet and the government will assess the weather situation before making an announcement.

“Whether the summer vacation will be extended or not will be known in due course. A decision will be taken after reviewing the situation at that time. If the heatwave conditions persist, the summer vacation may be extended. The safety of students remains the School & Mass Education Department’s priority,” Gond said.

Decision Linked To Weather Conditions
According to the minister, the government is closely monitoring the prevailing heatwave conditions and will take a call on reopening schools based on the situation in the coming days.

Also Read: Heatwave Alert: Odisha May Sizzle at Over 47°C Till June 14 Despite Kerala Monsoon Onset, Warn Weather Models

The state government had earlier scheduled schools to reopen on June 22 after the summer vacation. However, concerns over continuing high temperatures have prompted discussions on a possible extension of the break.

Student Safety Top Priority
The School and Mass Education Department maintained that the health and safety of students will be the primary factor in deciding whether schools reopen as planned or the vacation period is extended.

Reports suggest that while the southwest monsoon is expected to advance towards Odisha in the coming days, authorities are keeping a close watch on heatwave trends before taking a final call on school reopening.