Raipur, April 16 -- The Chhattisgarh government on Thursday announced early summer vacations for schools in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions across the state.

According to an order issued by the state school education department, summer holidays will now begin from April 20 to June 15 for all government, aided, non-aided and private schools. Earlier, the vacation was scheduled from May 1 to June 15.

The order, however, does not apply to teachers.

Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the decision was taken keeping students' safety in mind. "Ensuring the safety of children during the severe heatwave is our top priority. The summer vacation has been preponed so that their health is not adversely affected," he said in a post on X....