Odisha schools announce early summer vacation from April 27 amid heatwave

Amid rising heatwave conditions, Odisha has advanced summer vacation for all schools from April 27. The decision was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students during extreme weather conditions.

In Short

• Odisha government advances summer vacation to April 27
• Summer vacation in Odisha usually runs from May 6 to June 17
• Government and private schools will stop regular classroom teaching during vacation

As severe heatwave conditions intensify across Odisha, the state government has taken a major step to protect students from extreme weather.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that all schools across the state will begin summer vacation from April 27, ahead of the usual academic schedule, prioritising the safety and well-being of children.

The move brings much-needed relief to students, parents, and teachers while ensuring that learning continues during the break through planned educational support.

WHY DID ODISHA ANNOUNCE SUMMER VACATION EARLY?

The Odisha government advanced the summer holidays due to the ongoing heat wave affecting many parts of the state. The decision was made following recommendations from the School and Mass Education Department.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the safety and well-being of students remain the top priority amid rising temperatures.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said that summer vacation in Odisha generally starts on May 6 and continues until June 17.

However, because of the extreme weather this year, the government decided to start the holidays earlier than normal.

WHICH SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN CLOSED AND WHAT WILL CONTINUE?

The order applies to all government and private schools across Odisha. Schools will remain closed for regular classroom teaching during the vacation period.

However, several official activities will continue as scheduled, including:

• Ongoing examinations
• Census-related duties
• Administrative work
• Other essential official responsibilities

Authorities also warned that schools failing to comply with the order will be held accountable for any untoward incidents.

HOW WILL STUDENTS CONTINUE LEARNING DURING THE BREAK?

To ensure students’ learning continues smoothly during the summer break, the Odisha School Education Programme Authority has launched a Summer Learning Programme for children from Shishu Vatika to Class 8 studying in government schools.

Under this initiative, class-wise and subject-wise worksheets will be provided, while audiovisual learning content will be shared with parents to support home-based education.

Study materials will also be circulated through school WhatsApp groups, and grade-wise parent WhatsApp groups will be created to improve communication and engagement. The programme aims to help children stay connected with learning and make productive use of their holidays.

Odisha’s decision to begin summer vacation from April 27 reflects a balanced approach between student safety and uninterrupted learning. While schools remain closed due to severe heat wave conditions, the Summer Learning Programme ensures students stay academically engaged.

The move offers both protection and continued educational support for families across the state.

- Ends