Chandigarh, Jan 15: The Punjab government has ordered a change in school operating hours across the state to protect students from the prevailing severe cold wave and dense fog. Under the new directive, all government, private, and aided schools will start at 10 am starting Jan 16, ensuring children do not have to travel during the harshest early morning hours.
Primary schools will now operate from 10 am to 3 pm, while middle, high, and senior secondary schools will continue until 3:20 pm. The Punjab School Education Department issued the written orders Thursday, noting that the revised schedule will remain in effect through Jan 21 to safeguard student health.
“The education department has clarified that these temporary changes aim to protect students from harsh morning temperatures,” an official statement from the department noted on Jan 15.
The decision comes as northern India continues to grapple with plummeting temperatures and visibility issues caused by persistent fog. Authorities mentioned that the situation will be monitored closely, and further adjustments may be made if weather conditions do not improve by the end of the week.
