PATNA, January 5: The District Administration of Patna has ordered the closure of all schools, both government and private, for students up to Class 8 until January 8. The directive comes as the city and the wider region continue to grapple with a severe cold wave, with dense fog and plummeting temperatures disrupting normal life.
An official order issued by the District Magistrate's office cited the prevailing adverse weather conditions and a forecast for continued cold as the primary reason for the shutdown. The decision prioritises the health and safety of young children, who are particularly vulnerable to cold-related illnesses.
"Considering the intense cold and fog, all schools in the district will remain closed for students from Nursery to Class 8 till January 8," stated the official notification. The directive is mandatory for all educational institutions falling within the district's jurisdiction.
This extension adds to the winter vacation, effectively prolonging the break for junior students. Schools for classes 9 to 12, however, are currently permitted to remain open, provided they adhere to any advisories regarding late starts to accommodate foggy conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow alert' for the region, predicting dense to very dense fog and cold day conditions for the next several days. Minimum temperatures have been hovering between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, with the 'feels-like' temperature often dropping lower due to high humidity and wind chill.
Parents have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While many welcome the precautionary measure, concerns have been raised about the disruption to the academic calendar. "The cold is indeed harsh, especially in the early mornings. The shutdown is a sensible step, but I hope the school makes up for the lost time later," said Renu Sharma, a parent of two school-going children.
School authorities have stated they will follow the government's orders and are preparing to adjust the academic schedule accordingly. "Student well-being is paramount. We will resume classes as per the administration's direction and will manage the syllabus through planned adjustments," said the principal of a prominent private school in the city.
When Will Schools Reopen?
As per the current official order, schools for students up to Class 8 are set to reopen on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. However, this remains contingent on the weather conditions. The district administration has indicated that the situation will be reviewed closer to the date, and any further extension will be communicated through official channels.
Residents are advised to monitor updates from the District Magistrate's office and the Education Department for any fresh announcements regarding school operations.