kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : May 9, 2025 | Kolkata —  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a large number of private English-medium schools across the state have decided to begin their summer vacations early, starting from May 9. The move, while not mandated by any formal order, has been widely adopted by educational institutions as a preventive and precautionary measure, reflecting both administrative foresight and growing concern among parents and school authorities alike.

The Chief Minister made the appeal during a press briefing held on Wednesday, requesting private schools—especially those affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)—to consider beginning their summer breaks earlier than planned. Her request came against the backdrop of rising summer temperatures and recent nationwide tensions following India’s military operations targeting Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“We understand that many schools have already completed most of their academic curriculum,” Banerjee said during the announcement. “Given the rising heat and the overall situation in the country, it would be wise if private schools also followed the state-run institutions and allowed children to stay home.”

Reacting swiftly, many private institutions in Kolkata and surrounding districts confirmed closures starting May 9. Julien Day School, which had originally scheduled its summer vacation from May 16, has now advanced it. Principal Siddhartha Dey stated that the school took the decision keeping in mind student welfare and the current environment.

Delhi Public School Ruby Park also followed suit. Principal Joyoti Chaudhuri confirmed that the school would now remain closed from May 9 and reopen on June 9. “It is important to follow the government’s appeal in times like these. The safety and health of our students come first,” she added.

Other well-known institutions such as Ballygunge Siksha Sadan and St. Xavier’s Institution in Panihati have made similar announcements. Ballygunge Siksha Sadan’s Principal, Sunita Sen, said, “While we initially planned to close for summer next week, we’re complying with the Chief Minister’s suggestion. It’s a sensible decision under the circumstances.”

Not all schools, however, are shutting down completely. Some have chosen a hybrid approach. La Martiniere for Boys and Girls, along with The BSS School, have opted to shift to online classes temporarily. Supriyo Dhar, Secretary of La Martiniere Schools, said, “We are not sending the children off completely, but switching to a week of online instruction starting Monday. This way, the students are safe at home, but the academic schedule continues without interruption.”

The education department had already ordered government and government-aided schools to commence summer vacation from April 30. The Chief Minister’s call to private institutions is in sync with the government’s earlier move, which was prompted by both meteorological alerts and public safety concerns amid the escalating Indo-Pak conflict.

Reactions from parents have largely been positive. Many expressed relief that schools are taking proactive measures, noting that both the weather and the geopolitical climate pose risks to daily life.

While there is currently no official directive forcing private schools to close, the collective response to the Chief Minister’s appeal suggests a strong sense of community responsibility among school administrators. It also reflects a broader sentiment that, in times of uncertainty, student safety should take precedence over academic routine.