Punjab Education Department Pushes for Early Summer Break Amid Rising Heat Concerns
The Punjab School Education Department has submitted a formal request to the Chief Minister, proposing that summer vacations in schools commence on June 1, citing growing fears of an impending heatwave sweeping across the province.
Khalid Nazir Watto, the Secretary of Education, confirmed that a summary has been forwarded to the CM’s office, noting that the soaring temperatures could justify starting the holiday season ahead of schedule. Nevertheless, the ultimate green light rests with the Chief Minister’s decision.
Earlier in April, in a proactive move to safeguard students, the provincial government had already revised school hours, trimming the daily schedule by 30 minutes starting April 7. This change is set to remain effective until October 15. Under the new timings, schools open at 7:30 AM, with staggered dismissal times for single and double-shift institutions.
Despite this time adjustment, a significant number of parents remain uneasy, voicing concerns about the health risks children face due to the intense heat. They are urging authorities to act swiftly and declare the summer break sooner rather than later.
Educators have also echoed these concerns, stressing that the uncertainty around the holiday schedule is affecting classroom planning and making it challenging to wrap up the curriculum in an organized manner.