Chennai: All schools across Tamilnadu will be re-opened after a long summer vacation tomorrow. There are around 35,414 primary schools, 9,708 middle schools, 17,000 higher secondary schools functioning under the government.
It may be noted that the annual public exams for classes 10, 11 and 12 were conducted in March. In view of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, vacation for school students began 10 days early.
Following the annual exams in April, government and private institutions had closed for summer vacation. Parents had raised their concerns over rising mercury levels and water scarcity and had hoped the reopening date would be postponed.
Owing to monsoon failure, the entire State has been witnessing drought condition and there were speculation that the academic year would begin late. However, since the holidays were declared early, the department officially made an announcement which comes as a clarification to the confusion and rumours claiming the extension of holidays.
It is pertinent to see how the educational institutions are going to solve the water crisis. While a few schools are planning to tap the groundwater resource, a few are relying on metrowater tankers and others on water from farmlands.
Ground water level has come down drastically at many places. People are seen standing in long queues to fetch water at several places across the State.
Officials in the education department said that since lot of portions had to be covered under new education policy, schools have ben asked to reopen on 3 June. Distribution of cost free books, notebooks and bags have been completed in many government schools. Also works have begun to float tenders to distribute lap-tops for students.
Meanwhile in the neighbouring Pudhucherry, the reopening day for all schools has been postponed to 10 June because of prevailing heat, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the decision follows request from several quarters, including parents, teachers and students.