Chandigarh: In response to the ongoing severe cold wave and plummeting visibility caused by dense fog, the Punjab Government has officially revised the operational timings for all schools in the state. The order, issued by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, is effective from January 16 to January 21, 2026. It covers all government, private, aided, and affiliated institutions.
Official Notification and Revised Schedule
The decision was taken to prioritize the safety and well-being of students navigating hazardous morning fog. According to the official notification from the Punjab School Education Department, the new timings apply to all categories of schools:
- Primary Schools (Classes 1-5): 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Middle, High, and Senior Secondary Schools (Classes 6-12): 10:00 AM to 3:20 PM.
This adjustment aims to bypass the peak period of zero-visibility, which typically occurs between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM across the state.
District-Wise Impact and Health Advisory
The cold wave has intensified across districts like Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala, where temperatures have dipped below 4°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained a “Take Action” warning for fog in the region.
Health experts have advised parents to ensure children are dressed in multiple layers of woollens, as icy northwesterly winds are expected to persist for the next 48 hours.
Key Highlights Box:
- New Start Time: 10:00 AM (Mandatory for all schools).
- Senior Closing Time: 3:20 PM.
- Validity: Effective until January 21, 2026.
- Scope: Includes all Private, Government, and Aided schools.
FAQ Section:
A1: Yes. The Education Department has directed all District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure strict compliance across all private and government schools in the state.
A2: The current order is valid until Jan 21. A further review of weather conditions will be conducted by the state government before that date to decide on extensions.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Sign-off: Reported by KittoNews Desk | Edited by Senior Editor Gowhar Nabi.
- Source Transparency: Information is based on the Official Notification (Jan 15, 2026) from the Punjab Education Minister and the IMD Punjab Weather Bulletin.
- Disclaimer: Local District Commissioners (DCs) may issue additional orders based on specific visibility levels. Verify with your school head before commuting.
- Community Question: Do you think J&K should adopt a similar 10 AM uniform start time? Let us know in the comments.
- Accountability Footer: Found an error or have a news tip? Email kittonews@gmail.com.
