Amidst the prevailing cold wave in the region, the Punjab Government has taken measures to safeguard the well-being of students, announcing an extension in the closure of primary schools until January 21. However, schools for other classes will resume normal operations starting January 15 (Monday).
Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Sunday conveyed the decision in a post on X, highlighting that, as per Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's directives, all government, aided, affiliated, and private primary schools (including pre-primary and classes I to V) will remain closed until January 21.
In contrast, middle schools (from Classes VI to VIII), high schools (from Classes VI to X), and senior secondary schools (classes VI to XII) will resume regular functioning from January 15. The stipulated timings for these schools will be from 10 am to 3 pm.
Bains provided additional details, stating that all double-shift schools would operate from 9 am to 4 pm. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to the designated schedule, he affirmed that no school operating in a double shift would be allowed to remain open after 4 pm.
Previously, schools in Punjab had been closed from January 8 to 14 due to the harsh weather conditions.
Regarding double-shift schools, the Education Minister specified that their operational hours would be from 9 am to 4 pm, with a strict adherence to closure by 4 pm.
Intense Cold Wave, Dense Fog Warning in Punjab
Amid the ongoing severe cold wave in Punjab, the state's Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has once again issued a cautionary advisory regarding the possibility of a cold wave accompanied by dense fog across most parts of the state in the afternoon hours.
As per the announcement made by the DMA, dense fog and a cold wave are expected to prevail in most locations in Punjab until 2 pm on Monday. The public has been advised to take precautions during this period to avoid the adverse effects of the severe cold wave. Recommendations include minimizing outdoor activities, staying indoors as much as possible, avoiding exposure to cold winds, and wearing adequate winter clothing.
Notably, Punjab, along with other north-Indian states, has been experiencing a harsh cold wave in recent days, significantly impacting the lives of the residents. The upcoming days also seem to offer little respite from the current cold conditions.
Considering the warning issued by the DMA, it is anticipated that a sense of coldness will persist throughout the day, accompanied by a potential drop in temperatures.
The advisory emphasized the need for people to remain cautious during this period and take necessary measures to safeguard themselves. As a precautionary measure, individuals are urged to ensure that they stay protected from the cold weather. The recommendations include staying indoors as much as possible, minimizing travel to outdoor areas; wearing appropriate clothing to avoid exposure to the cold; using masks to cover face and nose if it is necessary to go outside during the cold wave; and restricting outdoor activities, particularly to safeguard children, during extremely cold weather.
