Odisha’s Summer Learning Programme: Adapting Education to Climate Extremes

In response to the intensifying heatwave conditions across the state, the Odisha government has announced early summer vacations for schools starting April 27, 2026. To ensure that this extended break does not lead to significant 'learning loss,' the School and Mass Education Department has launched the 'Summer Learning Programme' (SLP) for students from Shishu Vatika (Pre-primary) to Class 8.

The SLP is designed as a proactive intervention to maintain educational momentum. It employs a hybrid strategy: digital platforms are used for interactive learning and content delivery, while physical worksheets are provided to ensure that students in areas with limited internet connectivity are not left behind. This dual approach addresses the 'digital divide' while maintaining the rigor of the curriculum. Teachers and cluster coordinators are tasked with monitoring progress remotely, ensuring that the 'summer slide'—the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year—is minimized.

From a governance perspective, this initiative represents a critical shift toward climate-resilient service delivery. As extreme weather events like heatwaves become more frequent and severe due to climate change, traditional academic calendars are increasingly under threat. Odisha’s model suggests that the state must move beyond mere 'disaster response' (closing schools) to 'disaster adaptation' (ensuring services continue through alternative means).

Furthermore, the program aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the use of technology in education and the need for flexible learning pathways. By integrating digital tools into the summer break, the state is also enhancing the digital literacy of both students and educators, creating a more robust educational ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental shocks.