School holidays for junior students in Noida and Ghaziabad have been extended once again, this time until January 10, as district administrations respond to persistent cold wave and fog conditions. The decision, impacting students from nursery to Class VIII, marks the latest revision to the winter break schedule, prioritizing student safety during harsh winter mornings.
Official Orders and Affected Schools
The directive was issued by the District Magistrates and Basic Education Officers of Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad. According to the official notices, all private schools in these districts affiliated with major education boards—including CBSE, ICSE, IB, and the UP Board—must keep their junior classes closed. Senior students, however, have been asked to resume physical classes.
This extension follows a series of adjustments to the holiday calendar. Initially, schools across both districts were closed for all classes until January 1. Due to continuing cold weather, the closure was first extended to January 5. The latest order selectively prolongs the break only for classes up to Class 8. Authorities have instructed school managements to comply strictly with these instructions.
Growing Concerns Over Academic Disruptions
While the administration maintains the move is precautionary, educators on the ground are growing increasingly anxious about the cumulative impact on the academic calendar. Several primary school teachers from Noida and Ghaziabad, speaking anonymously, questioned the rationale behind the repeated closures.
"It's not even that much fog or that much pollution right now. We saw worse winters when schools were open," said a Noida-based primary teacher. A colleague from Ghaziabad added, "Working days in schools are already very limited due to exams, elections, training duties, and holidays. Why is the academic schedule getting affected so badly and why is nobody talking about it?"
Teachers fear that frequent disruptions will make it challenging to complete the syllabus on time, especially for foundational classes where continuity is crucial. They also highlighted that online classes are rarely effective for younger children, potentially widening existing learning gaps.
Parents Divided on Extended Break
The reaction among parents is mixed. Some welcome the decision, citing protection for children from the biting cold. Others, however, are concerned about learning loss and the disruption of daily routines.
"It remains cold in morning hours, but schools can adjust the timings instead of just closing repeatedly," said Krishna Tripathi, a parent whose daughter is in Class VI at a private school in Noida. "It's difficult to leave kids at home while parents are going to the office. Moreover, the schools get closed most of the time in NCR and this shouldn't be a practice. I don't know what the govt wants."
The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing child safety with educational continuity during North India's severe winter, leaving administrators, teachers, and parents navigating a complex landscape of concerns.
