Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty’s proposal to shift school vacations from the traditional summer months of April–May to the monsoon season of June–July has sparked a wave of responses from Onmanorama readers and the majority seem to support the idea. In an Onmanorama online poll asking readers to pick the ideal time for Kerala’s school summer vacation, 42.42% (635 votes) voted in favour of shifting the break to the June–July monsoon window. 30.06% (450 votes) preferred retaining the current April–May schedule, while 27.52% (412 votes) supported a May–June vacation. A total of 1,497 readers participated in the poll.

In a similar poll on Instagram,  a majority of followers voted against holding school in the scorching hot summer months of April-May. Out of the 102 responses, 49% voted against the proposal, 36% supported the idea and 4% said maybe.

Strong support for monsoon holidays
A significant number of readers believe the shift is long overdue, citing both health and academic benefits.

Prof Surya Prakash Pati of IIM Kozhikode welcomed the proposal as “excellent”, highlighting that monsoon conditions in Kerala, marked by landslides, flooding, and illness, make it more dangerous for students than summer. He added that a monsoon break would also benefit teachers, reduce lost class days, and allow families to plan more affordable vacations.

Anup K K, an IT administrator from Palakkad, and the father of a fifth-grader, echoed these thoughts. He said weather disruptions were more frequent during monsoon than summer and that today's classrooms are equipped to handle heat better than earlier. “It is desirable to bring changes according to the times,” he wrote.

Ramachandran, a resident of North Paravur, said the proposal was long-awaited. He added that it would also benefit families whose relatives from abroad often visit during July–August, aligning with school holidays in the Gulf.

Sanjay Zachariah, from Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram, supported the shift too, suggesting that if schools function during the summer, classes should be limited to 8 am–12 noon, with no extracurricular activities during those months.

Sushildas, a parent from Maradu working in Qatar, pointed out that many unscheduled school closures happen due to monsoon weather. Shifting the vacation to July–August could help ensure an uninterrupted academic schedule.

Mixed opinions: One size may not fit all
Some readers supported the idea in principle but pointed out regional and practical challenges.

Anu Sanjay, also from Sreekaryam, noted that monsoon floods and strong winds make travel unsafe and lead to loss of school days. But she also acknowledged that Kerala's scorching summer limits outdoor activity and raises concerns about drinking water and ventilation.

Priya Benny, writing from Idukki, supported the move for hilly regions prone to landslides. However, she warned that in districts like Palakkad, where summer heat is extreme, children might suffer dehydration and heat exhaustion if schools operate through May–June.

Other suggestions
Some readers proposed alternate models instead of a complete shift.

Dr PR Jeyalakshmi, a Visiting Professor from Thrissur suggested splitting the vacation: one month in summer and another during the monsoon. She also raised concerns that a full shift to monsoon holidays could affect family gatherings and cousin meetups, as other states continue with April–May vacations.

Ajith Joseph Richard called for a more radical overhaul of the academic calendar. He proposed a semester system with a one-month break after each term and a shorter school day ending at 1 pm, allowing students more flexibility and rest.

What’s clear from the responses is that while the idea of shifting school vacations to the monsoon months has strong support, readers also want the government to consider regional climates, family routines, and infrastructural readiness before making a final decision.

What’s your take? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments.