Bengal govt extends Summer vacation till May 31 in schools

The West Bengal government has officially extended the duration of summer vacations for all government schools across the state, providing much-needed relief to students and staff. According to the latest notification, the summer break, which commenced on May 11, will now continue until May 31, 2026. Schools are scheduled to reopen on June 1. The state government has formally communicated this directive to the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education and the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education to ensure immediate implementation across all educational institutions.

This decision marks a significant change from the academic calendar set by the previous administration, which had originally proposed a shorter break. The newly formed BJP government took the step after assessing the current climatic conditions and the health risks posed to children. By extending the holidays, the government has ensured that students will remain at home during the peak of the heatwave expected throughout the month of May.

The extension comes as Kolkata and its surrounding districts grapple with soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity. On Wednesday, May 13, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6°C and a minimum of 26.8°C. Although no rainfall was recorded, the intense solar radiation and rising mercury levels have made outdoor activities increasingly difficult. The "feels like" temperature remains high, making the daily commute for school-going children a major concern for parents and health experts.