Bhubaneswar: The state government on Friday issued directives to public and private schools in the state on precautionary measures to deal with possible heat wave in the coming summer months.

The timing of classes in all schools have been rescheduled to between 6.30am and 10.30am from April 2. Lunch, as part of the midday meal scheme, would be served at 10am.

All school assessment examinations have to be completed by March 31. Provisions of drinking water and first-aid must be made at examination centres, say the directives.

The academic session of 2018-19 will start from April 3 while April 2 has to be observed as Pravesh Utsav.

Physical training at school should be made optional for the students in summer.

Teachers have been asked to engage the students with revision of courses till March 31 after examination/assessment was over.

Headmasters have been instructed to make provision of drinking water at schools where tube wells are not available. They have been asked to advice students to come to school with umbrellas and water bottles during the summer.

The directive also state that summer vacation would begin from May 4 this year.

The state government would review the situation after the Raja festival and then decide on the date of reopening of schools. Sources said the loss in terms of study days due to the prolonged vacation would be compensated through extra classes after Raja.

According to doctors, children should have minimal exposure to the sun in such weather and teachers must take extra care and ensure that their students don't become dehydrated in school.

Paediatric critical care expert Anuradha Behera said outdoor assembly, physical education and game sessions should be avoided during the hot months.

"If any student complains of excessive tiredness, headache and nausea, teachers should take immediate action. These symptoms should be taken seriously and the student get immediate medical attention," she said.