Assam's BTC Schools Shift to Earlier Start Times to Beat Heat

Guwahati: The Bodoland Territorial Council is shifting school hours to combat a brutal heatwave. Starting Monday, August 17, students across the region must head to class earlier to escape the midday sun. The change affects government, provincialised, and private institutions in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur, and Udalguri districts.

Director of Education J.P. Brahma signed the order on August 14. It stays in effect until further notice. Lower Primary schools will now run from 7.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Middle English schools will wrap up at noon. Higher Secondary classes will end their day at 12.30 p.m. All sessions begin at 7.30 a.m.

Officials circulated the directive to district commissioners and inspectors of schools for immediate implementation. The BTC Education Department stated the adjustment aims to "safeguard the health, safety and well-being of students" as temperatures continue to climb. The new schedule forces a hard break from standard operations to keep children safe during the sweltering heat.