Kerala Minister Opens Public Debate on Rescheduling School Holidays

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has called for a public dialogue on the possibility of shifting school summer holidays from the traditional April–May period to the monsoon months of June and July.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the minister highlighted that the current vacation schedule coincides with peak summer, exposing children to intense heat. In contrast, the monsoon months often see widespread class cancellations due to heavy rainfall, which severely affects the academic calendar.

Given this context, Sivankutty said the government is exploring whether rescheduling holidays to align with the rainy season might reduce disruptions in learning. He emphasised that the initiative is open to public input, with citizens encouraged to share opinions on the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a shift.

The discussion will also address practical concerns, including how the change might impact student health, learning outcomes, and the daily routines of parents and teachers. He further noted that the holiday practices of other Indian states and countries would be examined as part of the deliberation process.

Inviting public participation, the minister expressed hope that the feedback would help foster meaningful dialogue in the education sector.