Private schools, colleges defy state govt orders

Nellore: Even though the Education department announced emergency holidays for educational institutions for three days from Tuesday according to warnings from the Met officials, no private institution in the district had followed the orders. Majority institutions except government-run schools and colleges have simply discarded the directions of the government.

All private colleges and schools have started classes from the first/second weeks and still second phase summer had started in the district with scorching heat and sultriness. The situation was somewhat better in May with some sea breezes and comfortable humidity levels. But, the situation was bit comfortable for 7-10 days during onset of southwest monsoon and the passing clouds gave relief from soaring temperatures.

But, the situation started unbearable with temperatures hovering between 39 and 40 Degrees Celsius with 25-30 per cent of humidity levels making the conditions uncomfortable and vulnerable to sunstrokes too. To prevent the students from falling sick, the Education department announced holidays for three days from Tuesday. But, the colleges have not taken the orders seriously.

All English medium schools and colleges in the district worked as usual. They ran school buses for bringing the children even during the holiday. Private institutions in Nellore, Kavali, Atmakur, Naidupet, Gudur, Venkatagiri, Sullurpet, and other places worked normally, according to sources. But, the government institutions closed the schools/colleges according to the directions. ABVP leaders organised protests in Gudur demanding action against the education officials, who neglected their duties.