Assam Govt Lifts School Closure Order Amid Weather Improvement: Classes to Resume Tomorrow with Revised Timings

The Assam government has lifted the school closure order in Kamrup (Metro) district, allowing all government, provincialized, and private schools to resume classes starting September 25, 2024, after a brief hiatus due to severe heatwave conditions. The District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) issued a new directive revoking the earlier order from September 23, which had mandated the closure of schools from September 24 to 27.The decision to reopen comes in response to improved weather conditions in the region.
In the latest order, the DEEO stated, “All government, provincialized, and private schools in Kamrup Metro are to continue with normal classes from tomorrow, i.e., from 25 September 2024.” The reopening will be accompanied by revised school hours, with classes scheduled from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM to minimize students' exposure to the midday heat.
Official notice below

School were earlier ordered to close due to extreme heat
The initial decision to shut down schools was driven by reports of students experiencing health issues such as fainting and dehydration due to the rising temperatures. The DEEO had emphasized the need to prioritize student safety, prompting the temporary closure of educational institutions in the district.
Chief minister's announcement on X
Confirming the decision, Assam's Chief Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the resumption of classes. He stated, "Effective immediately, the order dated 23-09-2024 is revoked, and all government, provincialized, and private schools in Kamrup (Metro) will resume normal classes starting September 25, 2024, following improved weather conditions. However, the order regarding revised school timings from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM will remain in effect."
Revised school timings to continue
Despite the reopening, the revised school schedule will continue to be in place to ensure student safety during the remaining warm days. This schedule was initially implemented to mitigate the effects of the intense midday heat, offering a safer environment for students and staff.
The earlier closure order had highlighted the necessity of taking immediate action to safeguard students' health. It had stated that all government, provincialized, and private schools in Kamrup Metro district would remain closed from September 24 to 27 due to extreme heat. However, with weather conditions now improving, the authorities have decided to allow classes to resume with the modified timings.
Students, parents, and staff are advised to adhere to the revised timings and take necessary precautions to stay hydrated and protected from the heat during school hours.