Noida Schools Remain Closed Until January 17 Amid Cold Weather
The district magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar has ordered all schools in Noida to keep their doors shut for students from nursery to Class 8 until January 17. This decision comes as dense fog and extreme cold conditions continue to grip the region, posing challenges for daily commutes and outdoor activities.
Teachers Report for Duty While Students Stay Home
While young learners enjoy an extended break at home, teachers and other school staff members must report to work as usual. The directive applies uniformly to all educational institutions, regardless of their affiliation with boards like CBSE, ICSE, IB, or the Uttar Pradesh state board.
This latest closure has pushed the winter vacation period close to a full month for many students. Their holidays originally began on December 25, and a series of weather-related shutdowns have repeatedly extended this time away from the classroom.
Parents Voice Growing Concerns Over Academic Impact
Many parents in Noida are now expressing serious worries about the potential loss of learning. They question whether continued school closures remain necessary, especially as weather conditions show some improvement in recent days.
"January is almost over, and our children have barely attended any classes since Christmas," said Neha Sharma, a parent of a Class 4 student in Noida. "The fog has reduced significantly now, and temperatures have become more manageable. We are genuinely concerned about the academic setbacks our kids might face."
Another parent, Rakesh Kumar, highlighted how frequent breaks disrupt children's routines and study habits. "It becomes incredibly difficult to bring children back to their studies after such long gaps," he explained. "Online classes are often irregular and not very effective for younger kids who need more structured, in-person guidance."
Contrasting Approach in Neighboring Ghaziabad
Meanwhile, the neighboring city of Ghaziabad has taken a different approach to the cold weather challenge. Instead of ordering complete closures, the district administration there extended its earlier cold-wave directive until January 15 with revised school timings.
Schools in Ghaziabad from nursery to Class 12 now operate from 10 AM to 3 PM, allowing students to attend classes during the warmer parts of the day while avoiding early morning and late afternoon chill.
Confusion Among Parents Over Differing Policies
This disparity between the two cities has left many parents confused and questioning the consistency of weather-related school policies.
"If schools can function with adjusted timings here in Ghaziabad, why does Noida insist on complete closure when the weather conditions are quite similar?" asked Sunita Verma, whose child studies in Class 6. Her question reflects a broader sentiment among parents who observe different approaches being taken in adjacent districts facing comparable weather challenges.
The extended break continues to generate discussion among families, educators, and local authorities as they balance safety concerns with educational priorities during the winter season.
