In a swift response to harsh winter conditions, district administrations in Noida and Ghaziabad have ordered all schools to remain shut until the New Year. The directive, citing dense fog and extreme cold, applies to all educational institutions from nursery to Class 12, creating an extended winter break but also triggering last-minute chaos for parents and school authorities.
Official Order and Its Immediate Fallout
The order from the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate mandates a holiday for all board-recognised schools from 29 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. While students get an unexpected break, teachers and non-teaching staff across government and private schools have been instructed to report for duty as usual.
However, the timing of the announcement became a major point of contention. The official communication was circulated late on Sunday night, close to midnight, leaving schools with minimal time to inform parents. This resulted in widespread confusion on Monday morning, with many institutions unable to react in time.
Schools and Parents Scramble Amid Confusion
The delayed notice forced schools into a difficult position. Some, like Bal Bharti School in Noida, received the government order only at 7:20 AM on Monday and stated it was impossible to declare a holiday for that day. Consequently, they announced the closure would be effective from Tuesday, 30 December.
Other schools faced similar operational hurdles. Neha Sharma, Principal of Apeejay Public School, highlighted the disruption, noting that while their Noida branch remained closed, parents of the Greater Noida branch were informed only at 5 AM, leading to a flood of anxious calls.
Parents bore the brunt of the uncertainty. Rakesh Verma, a parent from Noida's Sector 62, recounted already dropping his child at the bus stop before learning about the possible closure from another parent. Working parents, in particular, expressed frustration. Pooja Sharma from Ghaziabad emphasised the need for advance communication, stating, "Early morning chaos in this cold and fog is stressful for both children and working parents."
Calls for Better Planning and Communication
The incident has sparked a conversation about the need for more timely and streamlined decision-making processes during weather emergencies. The core directive, prompted by genuine parental concerns over children's health in the severe cold, was welcomed. Yet, the execution and communication of the order have been criticised for causing unnecessary stress and logistical problems.
As the region grapples with the winter chill, the extended closure aims to protect students. However, the last-minute announcement serves as a reminder for authorities to balance swift action with effective communication to ensure such orders achieve their intended purpose without附带混乱.
