The Directorate of Education in Delhi announced on Sunday that all government, government-aided, and recognized private schools in the national capital would resume operations on January 15, marking the end of the winter vacation period. This reopening applies universally across all classes, including nursery, kindergarten, and primary classes. A similar reopening schedule has been set for schools in Gurgaon.
However, due to the prevailing foggy conditions, a precautionary measure will be implemented.
The measure mentions that no school, including those on double-shift schedules, will commence activities before 9 am, and classes will not extend beyond 5 pm. This was outlined in an order issued on Sunday. All teaching and non-teaching staff are expected to resume their duties as usual, according to the directive. These directives will remain in effect until further notice.
Contrastingly, in the neighboring Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, the winter vacation has been extended by an additional two days. Rahul Panwar, the district’s basic education officer, explained that schools for nursery through Class 8 will remain closed until January 16 due to dense fog and extreme cold. This extension encompasses all school boards, including CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board, and others, falling under the Basic Education Department in the district. Panwar emphasized strict adherence to this order, with the entire school staff expected to resume work on January 16. The decision to extend the vacation aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff in light of the adverse weather conditions.
Delhi’s education minister, Atishi, announced an extension of the winter break until January 12 due to the ongoing cold wave in the national capital. During this period, schools were closed for students from nursery to class 5, providing relief from adverse weather conditions. Recent mornings in Delhi have experienced a drop in temperature, reaching the coldest morning at 3.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday, four notches below the season’s average.