Ludhiana: 400 students sit in the open, struggle to study in 39°C heat

Punjab: Nearly 400 students at a government school in Ludhiana are forced to study in the open in the scorching heat of 39°C. The lack of fans and adequate facilities in the classrooms has distressed the children, making their learning environment extremely uncomfortable. Local parents and students reported that the school building is old and the classrooms become extremely hot during the summer. Despite this, the administration has not provided fans or any cooling system, leaving the children suffering from the heat. Students reported being forced to study all day drenched in sweat and often experiencing headaches and fatigue.
School teachers also admit that the heat prevents children from concentrating. They stated, “Studying in 39°C temperatures without fans and ventilation is extremely difficult for the children. Both their health and studies are being affected.” Parents accused the administration of failing to take any concrete action despite their repeated complaints. They stated that children have the right to study in a proper and safe environment, but this school is deprived of this basic facility. The local education officer told the media that the number of fans is limited due to the school’s old building and financial constraints. However, he assured that fans and other arrangements would soon be installed in the classrooms to provide relief from the heat.
Experts say that a hot and uncomfortable learning environment can adversely affect both children’s academic performance and health. They suggest that school administrations should ensure a cool environment and adequate ventilation immediately. This incident has raised questions about the existing facilities in government schools in Ludhiana. Local media and civil society have demanded that the administration take concrete steps to ensure safe and comfortable learning for children. Concerns have also been raised about heat and lack of facilities in many other schools in the city. Experts say that the government and the education department should prioritize children’s safety and the learning environment. The problems at this Ludhiana school demonstrate that the lack of adequate facilities for students during the summer season can directly impact their health and education. Parents, teachers, and society are now hoping for immediate improvement from the administration.