The Punjab government has announced a further extension of winter holidays for all schools across the state in response to the ongoing severe cold wave and dense fog conditions. All educational institutions will now remain shut until January 13, with classes scheduled to resume on January 14.
Decision Prioritises Health and Safety
State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed the decision, stating it was taken following the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan. The primary consideration behind the move is the health and safety of students and school staff. The directive applies uniformly to all government, government-aided, recognised, and private schools operating in Punjab.
The minister communicated the latest extension through an official post in Punjabi on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), ensuring the order is implemented across all districts.
Precautionary Measure Against Intense Cold
The state has been grappling with persistently low temperatures, with conditions worsening due to dense fog during morning and evening hours, severely affecting daily life. Officials stated that the precautionary closure aims to minimise health risks for the young students and the staff during this intense cold spell.
This is not the first extension this season. The Punjab government had initially announced winter holidays from December 24 to December 31. As cold conditions intensified, the break was first extended till January 7, and now has been pushed further to January 13.
Temperature Plummets Across Region
According to the meteorological department, several cities in Punjab and neighbouring Haryana recorded very low minimum temperatures:
- In Punjab, Bathinda was the coldest at 4.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Gurdaspur (5.7°C), Ludhiana (6.6°C), Patiala (7.1°C), and Amritsar (7.5°C).
- In Haryana, Narnaul recorded a chilling 4 degrees Celsius, with Bhiwani at 5 degrees.
- Chandigarh, the common capital, saw a minimum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius.
Education department officials have indicated that they will continue to monitor weather patterns for the remainder of the winter period. Authorities have advised schools to prepare for a smooth reopening once weather conditions show signs of stabilisation.
No changes have been announced for the broader academic calendar. Examinations and regular classes are expected to proceed as planned across the state following the extended closure period.
