In response to the severe heat wave, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has declared early summer holidays for all public and private educational institutions, starting from May 22.
This decision follows extensive feedback from parents, with 96% supporting the move to protect children from the extreme weather conditions.
Announcing the decision, Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized the importance of student health and safety during the current heat wave in a video message. He stated that parents were consulted about the holidays, and 96% demanded summer vacation start this week.
“The wellbeing of our students is our top priority. Given the extreme temperatures, it is crucial to take preventive measures to ensure their safety,” he said.
He announced that summer vacation in all public and private schools would start on May 22. However, this decision will not apply to schools where exams are being held. Those schools have been granted conditional permission to remain open solely for the purpose of completing these assessments, he added.
The notification regarding the early holidays will be released today or tomorrow, according to the education minister.
Earlier, due to the severe heat wave sweeping across Punjab, the provincial government had announced summer vacation from June 1 to August 14. According to the notification, schools across Punjab will reopen on August 15, and this decision will apply to both government and private schools.
Another notification had announced a change in the operational hours of educational institutions to protect students and staff from the extreme temperatures. Schools were supposed to remain open from 7 am to 11:30 am from Monday to Thursday. This decision aimed to minimize exposure to the harsh midday sun.
