CHANDIGARH — The Punjab government has officially announced an extension of winter vacations for all schools across the state. Originally scheduled to reopen on January 1, all government, private, and aided institutions will now remain closed until January 7, 2026.
The decision comes as Northern India grapples with an intense cold wave and dense fog that has significantly disrupted daily life and transportation.
Reasons for the Extension
Punjab’s Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, shared the update via social media, citing directives from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The primary drivers for the extension include:
- Extreme Low Temperatures: Minimum temperatures in several districts have plummeted to between 4^\circ\text{C} and 6^\circ\text{C}, creating harsh conditions for students.
- Dense Fog & Low Visibility: Visibility has dropped below 50 meters in many regions, making early morning commutes via school buses and rickshaws extremely hazardous.
- Health Concerns: The government emphasized the need to protect young children from respiratory issues and other cold-related illnesses exacerbated by the biting chill.
Implementation Details
The order, issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department, Anandita Mitra, is applicable uniformly across the state.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Schools closed until January 7, 2026 |
| Reopening Date | January 8, 2026 (tentative) |
| Institutions Covered | All Government, Private, Aided, and Recognized schools |
| Revised Timings | Expected to be 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM upon reopening |
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Patiala. A Western Disturbance is expected to bring light rain and thunderstorms on January 1 and 2, which may further lower temperatures before any potential recovery.
Authorities have stated that they will review the situation closer to the new reopening date. If the cold wave persists or intensifies, a further review of school timings or holiday dates may be conducted.