In a decisive move to safeguard students from the biting cold, the Una district administration in Himachal Pradesh has announced a temporary revision of operational hours for all educational institutions and Anganwadi centers. The order, issued in light of severe cold and dense fog conditions, will see schools starting later in the morning for over a month.
Official Order and Revised Schedule
Jatin Lal, the Chairman of the Una District Disaster Management Authority and the Deputy Commissioner, formally issued the directive. According to the official order, the new timings will be effective from December 29, 2025, until January 31, 2026. During this period, all government and private schools—encompassing pre-primary, primary, middle, and senior secondary levels—will function from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Simultaneously, all Anganwadi centers in the district will operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This marks a significant shift from the standard winter schedule, where schools typically run from 9 AM to 3 PM and Anganwadis from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Addressing Health Concerns and Academic Adjustments
The administration's primary consideration is the health and safety of young children. The district has been experiencing harsh winter conditions. On the day of the announcement, Una recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 23.6 degrees Celsius, with the chill felt most acutely during early mornings.
Adding to the concern, the Shimla Meteorological Office has issued a yellow warning for dense fog during early morning and late-night hours in isolated parts of Una district until December 30. Such conditions pose risks for students commuting to school.
To ensure no loss in instructional time, the district administration has clarified that any academic impact due to the revised schedule will be compensated. This will be done by appropriately adjusting the duration of the morning assembly and the midday break periods. The DC has urged all relevant departments, school management committees, and parents to ensure strict adherence to the new order.
Context of Seasonal Schedules
This temporary change highlights the flexibility in the academic calendar to respond to weather extremes. Typically, schools in the region follow a two-schedule system: 8 AM to 2 PM during the summer months and 9 AM to 3 PM in winter. For Anganwadis, the standard timings are 8 AM to 1 PM in summer and 9 AM to 2 PM in winter. The current order overrides the standard winter timings in response to the immediate severe weather alert.
The proactive measure by the Una district authorities underscores a commitment to student welfare, ensuring that the pursuit of education does not come at the cost of children's health during the peak winter season.
