In response to the ongoing severe cold wave in Lucknow district, the Uttar Pradesh Education Department has announced the temporary closure of all schools, ranging from pre-primary to 8th grade, until January 6, 2024. Schools will resume normal operations on January 8, 2024, with modified timings for classes 9 to 12, running from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Basic Education Officer Ram Pravesh has underscored the strict enforcement of these orders, emphasizing that non-compliance will result in consequences for schools, irrespective of their affiliation with UP Board, CBSE, or ICSE.
While government schools adhere to the closure directive, some private schools in Lucknow have chosen to remain open despite the extreme weather conditions, while others have opted for winter vacations.
The coldest place in the state, Shahjahanpur, recorded a minimum temperature of 5.2 degrees Celsius, contributing to the discomfort experienced by residents. The weather department predicts dry and foggy conditions in certain areas over the next 24 hours.
The cold wave has not been limited to Lucknow, as Gautam Buddha Nagar has also declared holidays for schools up to the 8th grade until January 6, 2024. District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma issued the order, and council-run schools in the district have extended winter vacations until January 14, 2024.
Shamli district is also grappling with the effects of the cold weather, leading the District Magistrate to declare holidays for all schools up to the 12th grade from January 2 to January 4, 2024. Basic Education Officer J.S. Shakya has emphasized that any school found violating these closure orders will face consequences, prioritizing the welfare of the students.
