West Bengal Schools Summer Vacation to Begin from April 30 Due to Rising Heat

Kolkata: West Bengal schools will begin their summer vacation early this year, starting from April 30, due to rising temperatures and increasing humidity across the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made the announcement on Thursday, citing concerns over students' health and well-being.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the state secretariat Nabanna, the Chief Minister said the Education Department would soon issue a formal notice. The early vacation will apply to state-run primary, secondary and higher secondary schools. Traditionally, summer holidays in West Bengal schools begin around May 9, however, due to the current weather situation, the state has decided to advance the break by over a week.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degree Celsius on Thursday. The temperature has been rising steadily over the past week, and no rainfall or Nor'wester (Kalbaishakhi) is expected in the immediate future.

Due to the heat, nine districts had earlier requested changes in school timings. Districts such as Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas had written to the Primary Education Board, suggesting that classes for primary students be held during the morning instead of regular daytime hours.

While the Education Department will release an official circular shortly, schools across these districts and the rest of the state will now close from April 30, helping avoid heat-related health issues among school children.

Meanwhile, on the same day, in a separate major development, the Calcutta High Court cancelled the appointments of about 25,300 teaching and non-teaching staff recruited through the WBSSC 2016 selection process.

The state government will now initiate a fresh recruitment process, with age relaxation benefits for eligible candidates and persons with disabilities. Those who worked in these roles will not be required to return their salaries.

(With inputs from Agency)