Winter Vacations in Punjab Schools End, New Timings Announced

As the cold wave continues to grip various parts of India, the Punjab Department of Special Education has announced the reopening of schools after the winter holidays, with new timings to help students cope with the chilly weather. From January 13, schools will resume classes, with special education institutions operating from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and an earlier dismissal at 12:00 pm on Fridays.

To combat the cold, the department has relaxed uniform requirements for students, allowing them to wear warmer clothing until February 15. This move aims to ensure the comfort and well-being of students during the ongoing cold snap. Meanwhile, other states have declared or extended winter vacations in schools due to the intense cold wave. For instance, Jammu and Kashmir has shut schools until February 28, 2025, for classes up to 12, while Himachal Pradesh has announced winter vacations from January 1 to February 11, 2025.

In other parts of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Telangana, schools have been closed or have announced holidays due to the cold wave. In Lucknow, schools are closed until January 14 for classes up to 8, with online classes advised for higher grades. Similarly, in Ghaziabad, Agra, and Mathura, schools are closed for students up to class 8. The winter break has been declared for all private and government schools in Haryana from January 1 to 15, 2025.

As schools in Punjab prepare to reopen, students and parents are advised to follow the new timings and uniform guidelines to ensure a smooth transition. The relaxation of uniform requirements and adjusted school timings aim to provide comfort and flexibility during the cold weather. With various states taking measures to mitigate the effects of the cold wave, the education sector is adapting to ensure the well-being of students while minimizing disruptions to the academic calendar.