Punjab schools extend winter vacations till January 13 due to cold wave, to reopen on January 14
PTC Web Desk: In view of the continuously intensifying cold wave and dense fog across Punjab, the Punjab Government has announced the extension of holidays for all schools till January 13.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision has been taken as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, prioritising the health and safety of students and school staff amid adverse weather conditions.
ਮਾਨਯੋਗ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸ.ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ, ਸੂਬੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਵੱਧ ਰਹੀ ਠੰਡ ਅਤੇ ਧੁੰਦ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖਦਿਆਂ, ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਟਾਫ ਦੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਧਿਆਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੱਖਦਿਆਂ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ, ਏਡਿਡ, ਮਾਨਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਈਵੇਟ ਸਕੂਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ 13 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਤੱਕ ਛੁੱਟੀਆਂ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ… — Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) January 7, 2026
The order applies to all government, aided, recognised and private schools across the state. As per the announcement, schools will resume regular functioning from January 14, following the usual schedule.
The move comes amid persistent low temperatures and reduced visibility due to fog, which has raised concerns over student safety, particularly during early morning travel.
Notably, due to cold weather, the Punjab Government had earlier directed that schools remain closed from December 24 to 31. Schools were scheduled to reopen on January 1, after which the winter break was extended till January 7. However, in view of the continuing cold wave, the government has now further extended the holidays till January 13.
In line with these holidays, the Education Department has prepared its annual academic calendar, duly incorporating the revised vacation schedule. The monthly-wise syllabus distribution has also been planned accordingly to ensure that academic activities in schools continue smoothly once classes resume. The government has warned that strict action will be taken against any private school found violating the official instructions.
For the past several days, dense fog has enveloped most parts of Punjab, significantly reducing visibility. Temperatures have been steadily dropping, and the Meteorological Department has also issued alerts regarding the cold wave and fog. As a result, commuting to school during the early morning hours had become risky for students.
The government’s decision has come as a relief to parents and teachers alike. This move is being considered particularly important for children living in rural and remote areas. The government has clarified that once conditions return to normal, all schools will function from January 14 as per their regular timings and arrangements.
- PTC NEWS
