Bihar Government Shuts Schools Till June 8 Amid Severe Heatwave

Patna: The state continues to reel under a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 46 degrees Celsius in several districts, including Gaya, Aurangabad, and Kaimur. The extreme heat is taking a toll on school students and children at Anganwadi centres, prompting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take decisive action.

In a significant relief measure, Chief Minister Kumar ordered the closure of all government and private schools, Anganwadi centres, and coaching institutes from May 30 to June 8. He instructed the Chief Secretary to convene the Crisis Management Group (CMG) to implement further protective measures.

Following the Chief Minister’s directive, Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra chaired a meeting of the CMG. The group decided to close all educational institutions to protect children from the intense heat. The Chief Secretary issued immediate instructions to all Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, and the Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department to enforce the closures.

The Chief Minister’s decision came in response to the escalating heat crisis affecting most districts across the state. With temperatures persistently above 46 degrees Celsius, the health of school children has been a growing concern. The CMG, including representatives from the India Meteorological Department, anticipates that the extreme heat conditions will persist until June 8.

In addition to the school closures, the Chief Secretary has instructed all District Magistrates to implement concrete measures to protect residents from the severe heatwave.