PANJIM: Fearing rising dehydration amongst students, the State government has made it mandatory for all schools to have two ‘water breaks’ daily to ensure that students drink sufficient water during school hours.
The concept of water breaks was introduced first in Kerala, and was followed by other southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana.
Education Deputy Director Shailesh Sinai Zingde in a circular issued to government, government aided, unaided primary, middle, higher secondary and special schools, has directed that all schools have two-minute water breaks for students, twice during the school hours.
Zingde, in the circular, said that it has been observed that students in school do not drink sufficient water which results in dehydration, which in turn may have long-lasting effects on their health. “It is therefore suggested that in every school there shall be water breaks of two minutes each after the second period and sixth period indicated by ringing a short bell,” he added. All heads of schools are directed to follow the instructions.
Sources said that though students carry water bottles, schools are directed to ensure that clean drinking water is made available in the premises. “Schools have to also see that the utensil or bottle in which water is kept for students, is cleaned every day,” sources said.