In an important announcement, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has confirmed that all schools across the province will begin their summer vacations from May 28, 2025. This decision has been made in response to the ongoing heatwave alert that is affecting various parts of Punjab. The early start of the summer break is aimed at protecting the health and well-being of students, teachers, and school staff during the extreme weather conditions.
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Early Closure for Student Safety
Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat made this announcement on Tuesday, May 20, highlighting the serious threat posed by the rising temperatures. The education department, he said, is fully committed to the safety of students. According to him, “School Holidays will start from May 28 and that day will also be a holiday.” The decision was made after consulting with relevant weather and health departments that have already issued safety alerts across the province.
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Punjab is currently facing intense heat, and there have been growing concerns among parents and school officials regarding the safety of children attending classes during peak daytime heat. The government’s response shows a strong commitment to acting quickly and taking preventive steps when student safety is at risk.
Immediate Change in School Timings
Along with the vacation announcement, the Punjab government has also revised school timings to help ease the heat-related discomfort. From May 21, 2025, schools in Punjab will operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. These new timings will be in place until schools close for the summer break on May 28.
Minister Hayat shared the update on social media platform X, stating:
“New School Timings = 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. School Holidays Start from The 28th of May (28th will be a Holiday).”
This means that students will now be attending school for only four hours in the morning, allowing them to return home before the peak heat of the day begins. The government believes this move will provide immediate relief without interrupting education too severely.
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Reminder for Parents and Schools
All parents, school administrations, and teaching staff are advised to follow the new instructions immediately. The minister urged schools to update parents through official notices, WhatsApp groups, and school websites. It is essential that students do not remain in school during the high-heat hours of the afternoon.
In addition, relevant government departments have issued special heatwave safety instructions. These include keeping children hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and wearing light-colored, breathable clothing. Schools are also directed to ensure the availability of clean drinking water and shaded areas for students during these final days before the summer holidays begin.
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Educational Loss vs. Student Health
While addressing concerns regarding educational loss due to frequent closures in the past year caused by political events, protests, and even the recent Indian air strike scare. Minister Hayat made it clear that the health and safety of students comes first. “We understand that academic progress is important, but this extreme weather demands immediate care and smart decisions,” he said.
He also hinted that schools may consider additional classes after the holidays if needed to cover the syllabus, but any such decision would be made later after consulting education boards and school heads.