Govt revises school timings amid heatwave; DMs empowered to shut schools

Bihar has revised school timings across the state as a heatwave continues to affect parts of the region, while district magistrates have been empowered to order temporary school closures if conditions worsen.

The move comes as authorities try to reduce heat exposure for students during school hours. Patna has already taken a separate step, ordering schools up to Class 8 closed from June 22 through June 27 because of severe heat.

Statewide timing change

Times of India reported on June 22 that the Bihar government had revised school timings amid the heatwave and given district magistrates authority to shut schools temporarily when needed.

The statewide change appears aimed at allowing local officials to respond quickly to changing weather conditions, especially in districts where temperatures remain high.

Patna closure already in place

Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar issued an order on June 21 closing schools up to Class 8 from June 22 to June 27. The closure was reported as a heat-safety measure for children.

That district-level order predates the broader state-level timing revision, and it remains a separate action from the new authority granted to other district magistrates.

Weather pressure continues

An India Meteorological Department-related weather report on June 22 said Bihar was still dealing with heatwave conditions, even as parts of the state also faced rain and thunderstorm alerts.

The mixed weather does not remove the immediate concern for students in districts where heat remains severe, which is why officials are keeping closure powers local.

What families should watch

The main questions now are whether the education department will publish the full revised timing order, whether it applies to all schools or only government schools, and whether more districts follow Patna with closures or shorter hours.

For parents and school administrators, the practical impact depends on how long the heat continues and how aggressively district officials use the powers now available to them.