In response to the ongoing severe cold conditions and predictions of dense fog, the Chandigarh administration has announced significant changes to school schedules for the immediate reopening period. The district education office has issued a directive altering the standard operating procedure for all educational institutions in the Union Territory.
Revised Schedule for Different Student Groups
The order, which applies uniformly to government, government-aided, and recognized private schools, introduces a tiered approach based on student grade levels. For a majority of younger learners, the return to physical classrooms has been temporarily halted.
Students up to Class VIII, along with those in non-board classes of IX and XI, will not have in-person sessions from January 8 to January 10. Instead, schools have been authorized to conduct online instruction for these groups, which can commence from 9:00 AM. School authorities have also been given the flexibility to adjust staff reporting times to facilitate this digital learning model.
Special Provisions for Board Classes and Double-Shift Schools
Recognizing the critical academic timeline for board examinees, the administration has made an exception for students in crucial years. Physical classes for board classes (X and XII) are permitted, but with strict timing regulations. These schools are not allowed to open their gates before 9:30 AM and must ensure closure by 3:30 PM.
The order further empowers school heads to regulate these hours to prevent any disruption to ongoing pre-board examinations. Additionally, a pragmatic provision has been made for institutions operating on a double-shift system. The heads of such schools have been allowed to call their evening shift staff for the morning shift if the situation demands it.
Official Directive and Validity
The directive was formally issued by the Director of School Education for the Chandigarh administration. The primary reason cited is the prevailing cold weather and the meteorological forecast indicating dense fog across the region, which poses challenges for early morning commutes for students and staff.
This revised arrangement is set to remain in force until January 10, unless further orders are released by the authorities. The winter vacation for schools in Chandigarh was originally slated to conclude on January 7, with a planned full reopening on January 8, which has now been modified.
