Authorities in multiple districts of Assam have ordered temporary school closures and revised academic schedules in response to a severe cold wave gripping the region. The move, aimed at protecting students from harsh weather conditions, follows a similar directive earlier issued for schools in Guwahati under Kamrup (Metro) district.
Majuli Announces Five-Day School Closure
In the river island district of Majuli, the inspector of schools issued an advisory on Wednesday mandating the closure of all educational institutions for five days from January 1 to January 5. This decision aligns with the authorisation given by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, allowing district commissioners to make localised decisions regarding school operations based on weather severity.
The administration cited difficulties for children in early morning travel and enduring long classroom hours in the intense cold. However, the order clarified that examinations would proceed without interruption. This includes the ongoing pre-final examination for Class X and the revisionary test for Class XII.
The directive applies specifically to all provincialised, or government-funded, schools. Private schools in Majuli have been given the autonomy to make their own decisions, with the advisory suggesting they act "in the interest of students."
Barak Valley Adjusts Schedules Amid Chilly Conditions
Simultaneously, districts in the Barak Valley region—Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi—have also implemented changes due to the persistent cold wave. A directive issued on Wednesday outlines a two-pronged approach: suspension for younger students and revised timings for older ones.
For January 1 and 2, classes in Lower Primary (LP) and Upper Primary (UP) schools in Sribhumi and Hailakandi districts will remain suspended. Furthermore, secondary schools across all three Barak Valley districts will now commence at 10 am instead of the usual 9 am, effective from January 1 until further notice.
In Cachar district, LP and UP schools will also adopt the delayed 10 am start from January 1, awaiting further orders.
Weather Conditions and Meteorological Outlook
The administrative actions come as minimum temperatures in parts of the valley have dipped below 10°C in recent days. Weather reports indicated that Silchar recorded a minimum temperature of around 7.9°C on Wednesday, with a daytime high of approximately 23.3°C.
Meteorologists attribute this spell of cold weather to a prevailing cold wave, which is bringing foggy mornings and chilly nights across the region. Similar conditions are expected to continue into the early days of January, prompting authorities to take preemptive measures for student welfare.
The coordinated response across these Assam districts highlights the significant impact of the seasonal cold wave on daily life and academic routines, with student safety being the paramount concern for local administrations.
