Subarnapur, June 17: In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions and rising humidity, the Subarnapur district administration has extended the closure of all educational institutions till June 20.

The decision was taken as the district continues to experience intense heat and sultry weather due to the delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon and the absence of significant rainfall. Considering the health and safety of students, the District Collector has directed all schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres in the district to remain closed until June 20.

The administration has further instructed school authorities to conduct any scheduled examinations during the morning hours while ensuring all necessary precautionary measures are in place.

Notably, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond had recently announced that schools across Odisha would reopen on June 18 as per schedule. The minister had also ruled out any statewide extension of the summer vacation, putting an end to speculation surrounding a possible delay in reopening due to the ongoing heatwave.

The Odisha government had declared summer vacation from May 12 to June 18 this year in response to the severe summer conditions across the state. However, citing continued heat and humidity, the Subarnapur district administration has opted to keep educational institutions shut for two additional days.