Punjab Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann has ordered the closure of all private and government schools across Punjab until **January 13**. The decision cites severe cold weather conditions and persistent dense fog as primary reasons for the temporary closures.
The directive impacts all educational institutions throughout the state. This measure aims to protect students from the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures and reduced visibility, which can make daily commutes hazardous. The Chief Minister’s office confirmed the closure affects all grades, ensuring a uniform safety standard across Punjab’s school system.
Jharkhand Schools Shut Until January 8
The Jharkhand School Education and Literacy Department also mandated widespread school closures. All government, government-aided, unaided (including minority), and private schools across Jharkhand remained shut until **January 8**. This order applied to students from pre-nursery through Class 12. Regular academic activities were suspended during this period due to severe cold wave conditions and dense fog impacting the region.
Tripura Schools Close Through January 10
In Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the closure of all schools in the state until **January 10**. This decision followed an extreme cold wave that gripped the northeastern state. An official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Agartala center reported minimum temperatures dropped to 6 degrees Celsius over the past week. This temperature is significantly below the normal range for the season, prompting the safety measures for students.
Rajasthan: Jaipur District Announces Phased Closures
The District Collector and District Magistrate of Jaipur, Rajasthan, declared phased holidays for students due to prevailing cold conditions. Specific class groups received different closure periods:
- Students from pre-primary to Class 5 had holidays from **January 6 to January 10**.
- Students from Class 6 to Class 8 received holidays from **January 6 to January 8**.
Despite these student holidays, teachers were required to report to schools as usual. All scheduled examinations proceeded according to their existing timetables, ensuring academic continuity where possible.
Overview of State School Closures Due to Cold Wave
The severe cold wave affecting various parts of northern India prompted several state governments and district administrations to temporarily close schools. These measures aim to ensure student safety and well-being during harsh winter conditions. The table below summarizes the key closure details across affected regions:
| State/District | Affected Schools/Classes | Closure Period | Primary Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | All private and government schools | Until January 13 | Cold weather, dense fog |
| Jharkhand | All government and private schools (Pre-nursery to Class 12) | Until January 8 | Severe cold wave, dense fog |
| Tripura | All schools | Until January 10 | Extreme cold wave (6°C minimum) |
| Jaipur, Rajasthan | Pre-primary to Class 5 | Jan 6 – Jan 10 | Prevailing cold conditions |
| Jaipur, Rajasthan | Class 6 to Class 8 | Jan 6 – Jan 8 | Prevailing cold conditions |
These temporary closures reflect a coordinated effort by state authorities to mitigate the health risks and logistical challenges posed by extreme winter weather. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns for further decisions regarding school operations.