As the nation gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal braces for a significant change in its academic calendar. Amidst the hustle of campaign trails and ballot boxes, schools across the state are set to experience an extended summer break.
The Election Commission has announced the polling schedule, with the first phase commencing on April 19th and concluding on June 1st. Coinciding with this period, schools in West Bengal will observe an extended hiatus due to the scorching heat.
In a directive issued by the State Board of Primary and Secondary Education, it's been confirmed that from May 6th to June 2nd, all schools will remain closed, offering respite to students amidst the election fervor. However, a few districts will witness school closures even prior to this period, owing to polling arrangements.
During the first phase of voting on April 19th, districts including Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri will see schools shut down from April 16th to April 20th. Similarly, during the second phase on April 26th, districts such as Darjeeling, Raiganj, and Balurghat will experience school closures from April 24th to April 27th.
This extended break is not unprecedented, as it aligns with the deployment of central security forces for election duties, which often utilise school premises as polling stations.
Following the elections, from May 6th to June 2nd, all government schools in the state will remain closed, allowing students to enjoy a full-fledged summer vacation. This translates to a total of 22 days of leisure for students, excluding weekends.
As West Bengal becomes a battleground for political campaigns, its educational institutions adapt to accommodate the democratic process, ensuring both civic engagement and academic continuity.