The Directorate of Education (DoE) for the Government of NCT of Delhi has confirmed that schools across the national capital will remain closed until January 15 as part of the officially declared winter vacation. This closure is a standard feature of the 2025–26 academic calendar and applies to all schools in Delhi.
Winter Break Scheduled for Student Safety
The winter vacation, which commenced on January 1, was planned considering the severe winter conditions that typically grip Delhi in early January. The decision aims to protect students, particularly younger children, from health risks associated with cold mornings, dense fog, and low visibility. These conditions make commuting hazardous and can lead to illnesses like colds, coughs, and respiratory issues.
The DoE follows a fixed holiday schedule to ensure uniformity and prevent confusion for parents and students across all schools. The period from January 1 to 15 is marked as a standard holiday block in the official calendar, with regular classes resuming only after the vacation concludes.
Parents Voice Concerns Over Early Openings
Despite the official directive, a significant concern has emerged on social media platforms. Several parents have raised alarms that some private schools in Delhi are planning to reopen or have already resumed classes before the winter break officially ends.
Posts on platform X (formerly Twitter) highlight specific instances. One complaint pointed out that while Delhi schools are supposed to be closed, some institutions in areas like Saket are opening early, prompting calls for authorities to intervene. Another post contrasted the closure of government schools due to extreme cold with the continuation of classes in certain private schools, questioning the lack of uniform safety protocols.
In a direct appeal to the Directorate of Education, a parent named schools like DAV Vikaspuri in New Delhi, alleging plans to reopen for all students amid the ongoing cold wave. The post urged the DoE to consider extending the vacation further to safeguard children's health and ensure their safety during the harsh weather.
Awaiting Official Clarification
As of now, the Directorate of Education has not issued any separate clarification or advisory in response to these specific complaints from parents. The absence of an official statement has left many families awaiting clear guidance to guarantee the uniform implementation of the winter vacation across all educational institutions, whether government-run or private, in Delhi.
The situation underscores a potential gap between policy and practice, with parents advocating for strict adherence to the holiday schedule to protect students from the challenging winter conditions.
