School timings changed in Punjab in wake of heat wave

In the wake of a sweltering heat wave in the northern part of the country, Punjab government today announced a change in timings of all government and aided schools in the state from tomorrow.
The schools have been directed to operate from 7:30 am till 12 noon, Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema said.
The new timings shall be in place from May 21 to May 31, he said.
Also, morning prayers shall not be held and in their place, the National Anthem would be played in each classroom during the first period, he said in a statement here.
He also said the timings of recess period would be fixed by the schools on their own.

The minister said the instructions concerning change of timings have also been issued to private schools so as to ensure that no student suffers from any ailment owing to scorching heat.