West Bengal education minister Bratya Basu on Thursday announced the suspension of classes in all state-run and state-aided schools on 13 and 14 June due to the ongoing heatwave conditions across the state. The order comes as high temperatures and humidity continue to affect large parts of Bengal, posing health risks to schoolchildren.

In a post on X, Basu said, “Teaching-learning activities will remain closed in all government-aided/sponsored primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary educational institutions in the state on 13 and 14 June, except in the hill areas.”

The state government has also urged private schools to follow suit and suspend classes during this period. A senior official from the school education department confirmed the request, highlighting concerns over pupil safety amid soaring temperatures.

Schools in the state had only recently reopened on 2 June after a month-long summer holiday. While brief spells of rain provided temporary relief in early June, the return of intense heat and humidity has made it increasingly difficult for pupils to attend classes comfortably.

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education echoed the government’s decision in a communiqué issued by deputy secretary Rhitabrata Chatterjee. “Due to the prevailing heatwave conditions, teaching-learning activities will remain closed… except in hill areas,” the statement read.

However, the order clarifies that teaching and non-teaching staff will still be required to report to their respective institutions on both days. The directive is part of the state’s wider effort to prioritise pupil health and safety while maintaining administrative continuity.

This move comes amid growing concerns across India about the impact of extreme weather on educational institutions, with several states implementing heatwave contingency measures this summer.

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