The Jharkhand government has announced a significant change in school timings across the state due to soaring temperatures, with the new schedule effective from April 21. Classes for students from Kindergarten to Class 8 will now occur between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM, while senior students in Classes 9 to 12 will attend from 7:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. This decision aims to protect students from extreme heat, as temperatures have surpassed 40 degrees Celsius in several districts, with Daltonganj recording a peak of 44 degrees Celsius. Teachers and non-teaching staff at government schools are required to stay until 1:00 PM for administrative tasks. The health department has issued a yellow alert, urging district administrations to prepare for the heatwave by ensuring shade and drinking water facilities in public areas. The move follows concerns raised by the Jharkhand Parents’ Association regarding student health, prompting several private schools to implement morning shifts independently.