In several districts of South Gujarat, education has been affected by recent heavy rains and flooding. Consequently, the education department is now focused on completing the curriculum. According to officials, given the current situation, schools may conduct classes even on weekends and make necessary adjustments to the schedule.
The Chief Secretary of the Department of Education (Primary and Secondary Education), Milind Toravne, stated that the state curriculum requires 220 instructional days. In addition to regular summer and winter holidays, local administration can adjust school schedules depending on circumstances. He emphasized that the priority is not holding classes during holidays, but fully covering the educational material.
According to Toravne, despite having sufficient days after accounting for Sundays, summer, and winter breaks, these days can be used to compensate for learning losses caused by the rains. He also clarified that there are no federal directives regarding school operations during holidays, and schools can manage their educational activities independently according to local conditions.
In areas affected by the rains, some students' textbooks were damaged or destroyed. The education department provided new textbooks instead of the damaged ones, based on information received from the districts. Milind Toravne reported that the Minister of Education announced the replacement of lost textbooks, and the redistribution of books was carried out based on loss data received from the districts.
Nitin Sangwan, the collector of Valsad, one of the most rain-affected districts, reported that schools in his area were closed due to flooding, although the situation was not widespread. He noted that to make up for learning gaps, schools can usually hold classes on weekend Saturdays. After the 'red alert' for heavy rains was issued, classes were constantly interrupted. Sangwan added that if necessary, schools can change working days to complete the curriculum and meet the required number of mandatory instructional days. Both private and government schools are free to conduct special sessions to complete the curriculum. If the Zila Panchayat deems it necessary, it can issue relevant directives.
Recent heavy rains have affected many districts of South Gujarat, including Navsari, Valsad, and Surat. As a result of the rainfall, the lives of many people have been impacted, with fatalities occurring while thousands were evacuated or rescued.