Patna: In response to the ongoing heatwave sweeping across Bihar’s capital, authorities in Patna have imposed sweeping restrictions on educational activities, prioritising child safety as temperatures soar past 40°C.
District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan S.M., invoking powers under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (2023), announced on Thursday that all government and private schools up to class 8 will suspend operations after 11:00 am from 13 to 16 June. Pre-schools and Anganwadi centres have also been ordered shut after 10:00 am during this period.
The directive extends to coaching institutes, which must halt educational activities between 11:00 am and 4:30 pm. However, evening classes will be permitted post 4:30 pm. Local authorities are on alert, with instructions issued to the District Education Officer, District Programme Officer, and senior police officials to ensure strict enforcement. The District Information and Public Relations Officer has been tasked with public dissemination of the order.
“This decision has been taken purely in the interest of public health, especially that of young children,” said Dr. Tyagarajan. “We urge parents to avoid sending children outside during peak heat hours and encourage institutions to shift classes to early mornings or late evenings.”
