School Holidays Extended in Several States Due to Temperature Drop
As the cold wave sweeps across India, several states have announced the extension of winter vacations in schools. The rapid dip in temperatures, particularly in regions like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other northern and central states, has prompted the government authorities to prioritize the health and safety of students. Below, we have compiled an exhaustive list detailing the states where schools have been closed or the holidays extended, ensuring that parents and students stay informed about the latest updates.
Delhi NCR: School Holidays Extended Amidst Dense Fog
The Delhi Government declared winter holidays from January 1 to January 15, 2025, for all government schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to a severe dip in temperatures and heavy fog. This decision was made to ensure the safety of students, as the smog and cold weather conditions have made commuting to schools hazardous. According to the latest guidelines, schools will reopen on January 16, 2025.
Noida and Ghaziabad School Closures
In neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad, schools up to class 8 have been closed until further notice. The exact duration of the closure in Noida remains uncertain, with the government issuing a directive to keep schools closed until additional instructions are provided. On the other hand, in Ghaziabad, the government has confirmed that all schools up to class 8 will remain shut until January 11, 2025.
Lucknow: Online Classes for Senior Students Amid School Closures
The Lucknow District Administration has taken proactive measures to protect students by extending the school holidays for most schools in the region until January 11, 2025. Students in classes 9 to 12 will not be required to attend physical school but will instead participate in online sessions to keep their education on track.
This decision has been made to ensure that the students do not miss out on their curriculum while also safeguarding them from the extreme cold and smog affecting the city. The online sessions are mandatory, and students must adhere to the new schedule to stay updated on their lessons.
Haryana: Winter Break Extended Until Mid-January
Haryana has also declared winter holidays for all schools from January 1 to January 15, 2025. Schools will remain closed during this period, and classes will resume on January 16, 2025. The state government has taken this precautionary step to protect students from the harsh winter weather conditions that have resulted in a significant drop in temperatures, especially in northern parts of the state.
Bihar: School Closures in Cold Wave Affected Regions
In the Bihar state, schools in certain districts have been closed due to the cold wave. Specifically, the Araria District has announced the suspension of all classes up to class 8 until January 12, 2025. However, students in classes 9 to 12 will be attending school at altered hours. Classes for senior students will now be held from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, ensuring they attend their lessons while avoiding the worst of the cold temperatures.
In Patna, the Bihar government has declared a winter vacation for all government and private schools from January 1 to January 11, 2025. The exact dates for reopening the schools will depend on the weather conditions.
Jharkhand: School Closures Announced for Early January
In Jharkhand, the government has extended the winter break for all schools, both government and private, from January 7 to January 11, 2025. This measure is being taken in response to the harsh winter weather. Schools in Ranchi and surrounding areas will remain closed during this period, and no regular classes will be conducted. The authorities are keeping a close watch on the weather, and any further extensions will be communicated accordingly.
Chandigarh: School Holidays Extended Until Mid-January
The Chandigarh administration has extended the school holidays for both government and private schools until January 13, 2025. This decision comes in light of the dense fog and extremely low temperatures affecting the region. While schools will remain closed, online classes will continue for students up to class 8 until January 11, ensuring that their learning is not disrupted by the ongoing cold wave.
Punjab: Short Winter Break Extension Due to Severe Cold
In Punjab, the government had originally planned to resume classes on January 1, 2025, but due to the severe cold, the break was extended until January 8, 2025. The Punjab Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, confirmed that all government, aided, and private schools would remain closed until January 7, 2025, with schools reopening on January 8, 2025.
Jammu and Kashmir: Extended Winter Vacation in Kashmir Valley
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a much longer winter break for schools in the Kashmir Valley and other cold regions. The winter vacation has been extended from December 10, 2024, to February 28, 2025. This extended break ensures that schools in these regions, which are particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, remain closed for a significant portion of the winter season.
Tamil Nadu and Telangana: Regional Holiday Extensions for Festivals
In Tamil Nadu, the government has declared a break for all schools from January 11 to January 19, 2025, in observance of the Pongal festival. Similarly, in Telangana, schools will remain closed from January 11 to January 17, 2025, due to the Makar Sankranti festival. These closures will allow students and families to celebrate their regional festivals while also offering a respite from the cold weather.
School Holiday Timings: A State-by-State Overview
| State | Holiday Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi NCR | January 1–15, 2025 | Classes resume on January 16, 2025. |
| Ghaziabad | Until January 11, 2025 | Schools up to class 8 closed. |
| Noida | Until further notice | Schools up to class 8 closed. |
| Lucknow | Until January 11, 2025 | Online sessions for classes 9 to 12. |
| Haryana | January 1–15, 2025 | Classes resume on January 16, 2025. |
| Bihar (Araria) | Until January 12, 2025 | Classes up to 8 suspended. |
| Patna | January 1–11, 2025 | Schools closed for all grades. |
| Jharkhand | January 7–11, 2025 | Schools closed for all grades. |
| Chandigarh | January 11–13, 2025 | Online classes for classes 8 and below. |
| Punjab | January 7–8, 2025 | Schools reopen on January 8, 2025. |
| Jammu & Kashmir | December 10, 2024–Feb 28, 2025 | Extended break due to cold weather. |
| Tamil Nadu | January 11–19, 2025 | School closure due to Pongal festival. |
| Telangana | January 11–17, 2025 | School closure due to Sankranti festival. |
Stay Informed About School Closures and Online Classes
In light of the harsh winter conditions and safety concerns for students, it is crucial for parents and guardians to stay informed about the school closures and any online classes or schedule adjustments in their respective states. Authorities are prioritizing the well-being of students, ensuring that education continues in a safe environment despite the adverse weather conditions. As temperatures continue to fluctuate, it is advisable for families to regularly check with local authorities or school management for updates on school schedules and any further changes to vacation periods.
