Schools in Delhi and about half of India’s 28 states have closed from mid-May to June due to extreme heat, disrupting families and economies as parents struggle to balance work and childcare. In Noida, Sakshi Katyal, a mother of a five-year-old, described her family’s financial strain after her job loss linked to repeated school closures, which have left her relying on a single income to cover a ₹50,000 monthly mortgage.
What triggered the school closures?
Delhi and 14 other states implemented mandatory school closures from mid-May to June as temperatures exceeded 41°C (105.8°F). School officials told the Guardian that heat-related closures have increased sharply compared to past years, though no official records exist. In Noida, Katyal’s daughter’s school closed in May, with no clear reopening date, likely extending into autumn.
How are families affected?
Working women face disproportionate burdens, as seen in Nai Basti, Delhi, where domestic helper Zeenat Khatoon pays ₹600 monthly to monitor her daughter’s online classes while earning ₹8,000 a month. Many families, like Katyal’s, report reduced incomes and heightened financial stress. A labour economist noted that women are increasingly forced into lower-paying jobs or leaving the workforce, exacerbating household poverty.
What may happen next?
Analysts suggest prolonged heatwaves could further strain India’s healthcare and service sectors, where staffing shortages already exist. Without adaptive measures, school closures may continue to disrupt education and economic stability. A Delhi official defended the closures as safety measures, citing schools’ lack of infrastructure to handle extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did schools close? Schools in Delhi and 14 states closed from mid-May to June 2025 due to extreme heat.
How are women affected? Women face greater economic strain as childcare responsibilities fall disproportionately on them, forcing many into lower-paying jobs or leaving the workforce.
What are the long-term risks? Prolonged school closures risk educational setbacks for children and economic instability for families, with potential ripple effects on healthcare and service sectors.
As heatwaves intensify, the pressure on India’s infrastructure and social systems grows, raising urgent questions about preparedness and equity in a warming climate.
