Shimla, June 13 — In response to soaring temperatures and growing health concerns, the Himachal Pradesh Education Department on Friday revised school timings in heat-affected districts including Hamirpur, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (Solan), and Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur), officials said.
As per a notification issued by the Director of Education, schools in these areas will now operate from 7:30 am to 1 pm instead of the earlier 9 am to 3:30 pm schedule. The directive also mandates two additional water breaks during school hours to ensure students remain hydrated.
District authorities have been instructed to confirm implementation, while some districts introduced further changes based on local conditions.
Hamirpur and Una Take Extra Measures
In Hamirpur, District Magistrate Amarjeet Singh revised school hours independently:
- Senior secondary schools: 8 am to 2 pm
- Primary schools: 8 am to 1 pm
The change follows appeals from parents who cited increasing health risks, especially for younger children. Parents had reported cases of dizziness and illness among pre-primary students and had urged authorities to begin classes earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Una district has extended summer vacations until June 30, as temperatures hover around 40°C. In Hamirpur, the first phase of vacations concluded on June 8, and the second phase is set to begin on July 13.
Health Risks Spark Concern
With temperatures breaking seasonal records, parents across districts voiced fears of heatstroke and dehydration, prompting authorities to take swift action. Education officials said the revised timings will stay in effect until further notice, depending on weather developments.
