In a decisive move to protect young children from the biting cold, the Gaya district administration has ordered a temporary halt to educational activities for students up to class five across the district. The order, issued by District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar, is a direct response to the ongoing spell of severe cold weather gripping the region.
Official Order to Safeguard Children's Health
The directive, which came into effect immediately, mandates the suspension of classes for younger students in all government and private schools, including pre-schools, Anganwadi centres, and private coaching institutes. The primary reason cited is the significant health risk posed by the persistently low temperatures, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours.
District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar explicitly stated in his order that the extreme cold conditions continuing in Gaya district pose a potential adverse impact on the health and safety of children. The administration has prioritized the well-being of its youngest citizens, leading to this precautionary measure.
Specific Guidelines for Different Grades
The order, however, is specific in its scope. While academic activities for classes up to V stand suspended, classes for sixth standard and above will continue with a crucial caveat. These senior classes are permitted to function only between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, provided adequate precautions against the cold are implemented by the institutions.
Recognizing the critical importance of board examinations, the district administration has also made a special exemption. All special classes conducted specifically for board exam preparation are exempted from the restrictions of this order, allowing crucial academic support to continue uninterrupted for exam-bound students.
Order in Force Till Wednesday
The administrative directive is not indefinite. The restrictions will remain officially in place until Wednesday, after which the situation will likely be reassessed based on prevailing weather conditions. This temporary closure underscores the administration's proactive approach to managing public health challenges posed by seasonal weather extremes.
This decision highlights a growing trend in several parts of North India, where local authorities are taking similar steps to shield school children from the harsh winter, balancing educational needs with health and safety imperatives.
