Patna: School holidays have been extended in two districts of Bihar as extreme cold and persistent cold-wave conditions continue to affect large parts of the state, prompting authorities to suspend classes for younger students.
District administrations in Kishanganj and Katihar, both located in Bihar’s Seemanchal region, have ordered the closure of all government and private schools up to class 8, citing risks to children’s health due to falling temperatures. Anganwadi centres and coaching institutes have also been brought under the scope of the restrictions.
In Kishanganj, district magistrate Vishal Raj announced that all academic activities up to class 8 would remain suspended until January 9. The order, which was earlier in force until January 6, has been extended as cold conditions show little sign of easing. Classes above class 8 have been permitted to operate between 10 am and 3 pm.
Officials clarified that the directive applies only to teaching activities, with administrative work continuing as usual. Special coaching classes for pre-board and board examinations have been exempted from the restrictions.
“The prevailing low temperatures pose a serious risk to the health and safety of schoolchildren,” the district administration said in a statement, explaining the decision to prolong the closures.
In neighbouring Katihar district, authorities have imposed similar restrictions. District magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi issued an order under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, suspending academic activities up to class 8 in all government and private schools until January 10. The order will come into effect from January 8.
The decision follows a steady drop in minimum temperatures and reports of severe cold conditions across the region. Officials said children’s well-being had been prioritised in view of the harsh weather.
With the cold wave expected to persist, administrations in other parts of Bihar may also consider extending similar restrictions in the coming days.
