Thiruvananthapuram: Should Kerala shift its school summer holidays from the scorching months of April and May to the monsoon months of June and July? The state government has initiated a public discussion on the idea, with Education Minister V Sivankutty floating the proposal in a Facebook post on Thursday.

Currently, schoolchildren enjoy their annual break in April and May -- a time when extreme heat often makes outdoor activity uncomfortable and even unsafe. However, the reopening of schools in June coincides with the onset of the southwest monsoon, frequently disrupting classes due to heavy rainfall and weather-related alerts.

In light of this recurring problem, the government is exploring the possibility of rescheduling the vacation to fall during the peak monsoon period. Some have also suggested May–June as an alternative.

“What are the pros and cons of this shift? How will it affect students’ learning and well-being? Will it be practical for teachers and parents? Can we draw lessons from other Indian states or countries?” Sivankutty asked, inviting suggestions from the public.

The minister urged people to share their opinions and recommendations in the comments section of his post, expressing hope that the initiative would pave the way for a constructive conversation on the issue.

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