Delhi HC to Hear Plea Challenging UPSC Civil Services Exam Prelims Today

The summer vacations for school students in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have finally come to an end. Both private and government schools have resumed their academic activities starting today. Due to the intense heatwaves, several states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, extended the summer vacations for the students. Previously, the Uttar Pradesh schools had extended the summer vacations until July 2, 2023, due to the soaring temperatures in the state. The original scheduled opening date for schools in UP was June 27, but it was deferred and extended to July 3, 2023, according to a notification issued after a meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Compared to last year, the schools in UP decided to extend the holidays in order to safeguard the students from the adverse effects of heatwaves and rising temperatures. However, the schools did briefly reopen on June 21 to observe International Yoga Day. Starting from July 3, the schools in Uttar Pradesh will operate according to the previously announced timetable.

Before reopening, it is mandatory to ensure appropriate cleanliness of restrooms, access to drinking water, and proper seating arrangements for the children, as stated in an official statement. The responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in accredited schools managed by the UP Basic Education Council lies with the School Management Committee. Additionally, teachers have been advised to complete all essential tasks at their respective levels before the school's reopening. These tasks include making arrangements for mid-day meals, handling Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) related tasks, ensuring proper distribution of textbooks, and attending to other relevant errands.

Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a special campaign from July 5 to July 31 to inspect schools across the state. The inspection will focus on basic amenities such as clean drinking water, mid-day meals, and children's toilets, as well as other academic activities. Apart from regular schools, the inspection will also cover council schools, madrasas, and aided schools.

To facilitate continued learning and completion of summer homework, elementary school children were earlier instructed to utilize the Diksha App. It is important to note that the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the state due to the expected extreme heatwaves in many parts of Uttar Pradesh.