In response to the intensifying cold wave and dense fog conditions prevailing across North India, the Haryana Education Department today announced an extension of winter vacations for all government and private schools in the state. Schools will now remain closed until January 10, 2026.
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The Official Order: The Directorate of School Education issued a formal notification late this evening, citing the safety and health of schoolchildren as the primary reason for the decision. “Given the persistent drop in temperatures and the orange alert issued by the IMD, it has been decided to extend the winter break to protect students from extreme weather exposure,” the order stated.
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Scope of the Extension:
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Applicability: The order is mandatory for all government, government-aided, and private schools across all 22 districts of Haryana.
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Classes: While the primary and middle wings (Classes 1-8) will remain completely closed, schools may conduct online classes for senior students (Classes 9-12) to ensure the board exam syllabus is not affected.
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Severe Weather Conditions: Large parts of Haryana, including districts like Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Hisar, have been recording minimum temperatures below 4°C. Thick fog has also severely reduced morning visibility, making it hazardous for school buses and students commuting early in the day.
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Teacher’s Schedule: The department clarified that while students are on leave, teaching and non-teaching staff may be required to attend school for administrative duties or to facilitate online learning modules, as per the discretion of individual school heads.
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Parental Relief: The move has been widely welcomed by parents and teacher associations. “With the current visibility issues and the bone-chilling winds, sending children to school at 8:00 AM was becoming a major health risk,” said a representative of the Haryana Parents’ Association.
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Future Review: The department has indicated that the situation will be reviewed on January 9. If the cold wave persists, further extensions or changes in school timings may be considered.
