Monsoon impact: Kerala Education Minister proposes shifting school break to June–July

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: In a significant move, Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday called for a discussion on the possibility of rescheduling the school summer vacation to June and July from April and March, citing repeated disruptions caused by the monsoon during these months.

Speaking to the media, the minister said the proposal aims to address the recurring issue of unexpected holidays caused by adverse weather conditions in June and July, which often forces schools to function on additional working days and conduct special classes to meet the academic calendar.

“Every year, monsoon rains severely affect the regular functioning of schools. The situation is so critical that schools are sometimes converted into relief camps,” Sivankutty said. He added that the health and safety of students, who often face extreme weather conditions during this period, is also a major concern.

Taking to Facebook, Sivankutty wrote, “In Kerala, our school summer vacations are currently scheduled during the months of April and May. It’s a fact that the intense heat during these months often causes discomfort for students. On the other hand, the monsoon season, especially in June and July, frequently results in heavy rainfall, which forces schools to declare holidays, thereby disrupting the learning process. In this context, a public discussion is being initiated on the possibility of shifting the summer vacation from April–May to the rain-heavy months of June–July. The idea of a May–June vacation is also being considered. We are keen to hear your valuable opinions and suggestions on this matter…”

However, he stated that any decision will be taken only after thorough discussions with stakeholders, including the public, educational experts, and government bodies.

"What could be the advantages and disadvantages of implementing such a change? How would it affect students' education and health? How practical would it be for teachers and parents? Can we draw inspiration from the vacation schedules of other states and countries?" he added.

If implemented, the move would represent a significant shift in Kerala’s academic calendar and could necessitate widespread adjustments by schools across the state. However, the practicality of such a change remains uncertain, especially since the academic schedule, including admissions, in many institutions, both within and outside the state, typically follows a standard pattern. Shifting the summer holidays from April–May to June–July would therefore require considerable coordination and structural changes.