Reopening of schools in Tamil Nadu postponed to June 12

The decision was taken by the School Education Department on Monday, following concerns about the high temperature; schools were originally due to open this week

Students seen at a government school in Chennai. File | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B

The reopening of schools after the summer holidays has been postponed yet again in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department, on Monday, June 5, 2023, announced that classes VI to XII will begin on June 12, while Classes I to V will resume from June 14.

Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said a decision to put off the reopening date again was taken based on the directives given by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to protect students from the hot weather in many parts of the State.

Earlier, schools were scheduled to reopen from this week, on June 7. However, over the last few weeks, concerns were being raised about the weather and high temperatures across several parts of the State. Initially, the School Education Department had decided to reopen schools for classes VI to XII on June 1 and for classes I to V on June 5.

Following the announcement on Monday, Chief Educational Officers in districts, including Chennai and Chengalpattu, issued a circular stating that the announcement should be followed by all schools, including government, aided and private institutions.

“Heads and principals of all types of schools should ensure that schools reopen only on the specified dates. District-level officials have also been asked to ensure that schools do not reopen before the dates mentioned,” the Chennai Chief Educational Officer said.

All Schools in Chengalpattu district were further instructed not to conduct special classes for senior school students ahead of the reopening dates on campus and were warned of departmental action if found to be in violation.