The Odisha School and Mass Education Department has rolled out an extensive set of guidelines to ensure schools and hostels are fully prepared for reopening on Friday, June 20, 2025, following the summer vacation.
With the monsoon season in full swing, the state government is prioritising student safety by addressing water and vector-borne disease risks, a critical concern as highlighted in the ‘urgent’ official directive by Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Odisha School and Mass Education Department, to the Collectors for implementation.
The decision to reopen comes after a prolonged summer break, extended due to a severe heatwave in April, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in multiple districts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Now, with the shift to monsoon conditions, the focus has pivoted to preventing health hazards such as malaria, dengue, and diarrhoea, which thrive in wet environments.
Comprehensive Safety Protocols
The guidelines mandate a thorough checklist to ensure schools and hostels are ready for students. Key measures include:
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Sanitation and Cleaning: All classrooms, common rooms, offices, labs, libraries, toilets, bathrooms, hostel rooms, kitchens, dining areas, and storerooms must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.
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Water Management: Water tanks, containers, approach roads, and drainage systems are to be cleaned and disinfected to prevent waterlogging, a known contributor to mosquito breeding.
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Food and Water Safety: Schools must stock adequate, high-quality rice and other food supplies in hygienic storage, alongside ensuring a steady supply of safe drinking water.
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Environmental Maintenance: Undergrowth, weeds, grass, and dried tree branches must be removed to reduce health risks, while construction waste and debris are to be cleared to avoid stagnant water sites.
With schools set to resume academic activities tomorrow, the emphasis on health, hygiene, and safety sets a hopeful tone for the 2025-26 academic year. Students, parents, and educators alike are preparing for a return to learning, bolstered by a robust framework designed to protect the state’s future generation.
