Bihar: All schools to remain closed till June 22

PATNA: The government issued an order on Monday to all district magistrates (DM) and education officers, asking them to shut government and private schools as well as coaching institutes across the state till June 22 due to the prevailing heatwave.
While state project director of Bihar Education Project Council Sanjay Singh issued a notification regarding closure of government and government-aided schools across the state till June 22, state chief secretary Deepak Kumar ordered closure of even private schools and coaching institutes till Saturday. Later in the evening, Patna DM Kumar Ravi asked all government and private schools in the district to extend their summer vacations till June 22.
Summer holidays in all schools had been extended for seven days till June 19, almost a week ago due to scorching heat.
Now, teachers expect a hectic schedule after schools reopen. They are, therefore, making strategies to cover the syllabi on time before the arrival of exams.
St Michael’s High School principal Father Edison J Armstrong told this newspaper, “After the school reopens, we will focus more on academics than extracurricular activities. Our teachers will make sure that syllabi of classes X and XII are completed on time.”
Notre Dame Academy teacher Kalpana Sinha, who teaches Class XII students, agreed that an extended summer vacation would affect academics. She said, “We are likely to convert Saturdays into full working days for completing the syllabi on time.”
Although summer vacations are fun, a third extension has started worrying students as well.
Ishan International School’s Class XI student Apoorva hailed the government’s decision as “the hot weather is unbearable” and can make them sick. “We, however, have less time to complete the syllabi. All we can depend on is self-study at home for now,” he said.
Apoorva’s mother Sarita Jha shared similar concerns, saying, “Anyone will fall sick. Studies will definitely be hampered, but health comes first.”
Shivam Convent student Shubham Shekher said, “I have to prepare for my Class XII and other competitive exams. Extended vacations will affect my studies.”