Odisha Shuts All Schools and Colleges Amid Scorching Heatwave; CM Announces Safety Measures for Students

Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to protect students from the intensifying heatwave sweeping across Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered the closure of all educational institutions, from Anganwadi centers to Class 12, starting April 23. The measure applies uniformly to both government and private institutions across the state.

The announcement was made following a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Bhubaneswar, where the escalating temperatures and their impact on public health were discussed in detail. The Chief Minister emphasized that the safety and well-being of children is of paramount importance, prompting the immediate suspension of in-person classes.

To ensure continued nutritional support for young children, the government has directed that dry food will be delivered to Anganwadi beneficiaries at their homes during this period.

In addition to school closures, the government has declared a five-day holiday for both government and private colleges, starting April 23. However, pre-scheduled examinations will continue as planned, with instructions issued to ensure adequate arrangements are made for the safe and smooth conduct of these exams.

The review meeting was attended by top state officials, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Works, Law, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Home Department ACS Satyabrata Sahu, DGP Y.B. Khurania, and ACS of Revenue and Disaster Management Department Deoranjan Kumar Singh, among others.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded a sharp spike in daytime temperatures across several districts, with many areas experiencing temperatures above 43°C, prompting growing concern among health experts and civil authorities.

The government has also appealed to the public to take precautionary measures during the heatwave, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, staying hydrated, and taking care of vulnerable groups including the elderly and children.