The Punjab government has extended winter holidays in all schools across the state till January 13 due to severe cold weather and dense fog conditions affecting daily life.Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken in line with the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, prioritising the health and safety of children and school staff.Schools to reopen from January 14The holiday extension applies to all government, aided, recognised and private schools operating in Punjab. According to the minister, all educational institutions will resume normal functioning from January 14.Cold wave prompts precautionary measuresThe state has been experiencing persistently low temperatures, with weather conditions worsening due to dense fog during morning and evening hours. Officials said the precautionary closure aims to minimise health risks for students and staff during the ongoing cold spell.Temperature readings across Punjab and HaryanaAccording to the meteorological department, Bathinda was the coldest location in Punjab, recording a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius. Ludhiana reported 6.6 degrees, Amritsar 7.5 degrees, Patiala 7.1 degrees and Gurdaspur 5.7 degrees Celsius.In neighbouring Haryana, Narnaul recorded the lowest temperature at 4 degrees Celsius, followed by Bhiwani at 5 degrees. Chandigarh, the shared capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius.Earlier, the Punjab government had announced school holidays from December 24 to December 31, which were later extended till January 7 as cold conditions intensified across the region.The latest extension was communicated through an official post by the education minister on X in Punjabi, confirming uniform implementation across all districts. Authorities have advised schools to prepare for reopening once weather conditions stabilise.The decision covers institutions run by the government as well as privately managed and aided schools. Education department officials said monitoring of weather patterns will continue during the remaining winter period.No changes were announced for academic schedules beyond reopening, and examinations and classes are expected to proceed as planned across the state following the extended closure period.
