Schools across six Indian states have closed or altered schedules due to severe cold wave conditions. Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan announced measures affecting students from kindergarten to Class 12. These actions prioritize student safety amidst falling temperatures and dense fog.
Punjab Schools Announce Winter Vacation
Punjab declared winter vacations for all schools from December 22 to January 10 . This decision came amidst widespread cold wave reports across the state.
Uttar Pradesh Addresses Cold Wave Impact
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a warning regarding safety lapses during the cold period. In response, Noida’s district magistrate ordered all schools closed from December 29 to January 1 . This measure ensures student safety.
Similarly, Lucknow district announced school closures for all pre-primary to Class 12 institutions. These include council, primary, upper primary, aided, recognized, and Kasturba Gandhi residential schools. Lucknow schools will remain closed from December 29 to January 1 due to cold wave and dense fog forecasts.
Jharkhand Schools Close in Ranchi
Ranchi district in Jharkhand suspended classes for all government and private schools. Students from kindergarten to Class 12 will not attend school from December 27 to December 31 . This action responds to ongoing cold wave conditions.
Himachal Pradesh Adjusts School Timings
Una district in Himachal Pradesh changed operational timings for all educational institutions and Anganwadi centers. From December 29 to January 31 , government and private schools will operate from 10 AM to 3:30 PM . Anganwadi centers will function from 10 AM to 3 PM during this period.
Bihar Implements School Closures
Bihar’s capital, Patna, saw educational institutions close due to intense cold. Patna District Magistrate Tyagarajan SM ordered all government and private schools up to Class 8 to remain closed until December 30 . Classes for Class 9 and above will operate on revised hours, from 10 AM to 3:30 PM .
Rajasthan Declares Winter Holidays
The Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSE) announced winter holidays for all government and private schools statewide. These holidays run from December 25 to January 5 .
Summary of School Closures and Schedule Changes
| State/District | Affected Classes | Type of Measure | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | All Schools | Winter Vacation | Dec 22 – Jan 10 |
| Uttar Pradesh (Noida) | All Schools | Closure | Dec 29 – Jan 1 |
| Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) | Pre-primary to Class 12 | Closure | Dec 29 – Jan 1 |
| Jharkhand (Ranchi) | Kindergarten to Class 12 | Closure | Dec 27 – Dec 31 |
| Himachal Pradesh (Una) | All Schools & Anganwadi | Revised Timings | Dec 29 – Jan 31 |
| Bihar (Patna) | Up to Class 8 | Closure | Until Dec 30 |
| Bihar (Patna) | Class 9 and Above | Revised Timings | 10 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Rajasthan | All Schools | Winter Holidays | Dec 25 – Jan 5 |