Patna/Gopalganj: Schools up to Class 8 in Bihar’s Gopalganj district have been ordered to remain closed until January 7 following a sharp drop in temperatures and worsening cold wave conditions.
The district magistrate, Subrat Kumar Sen, issued the directive citing concerns over the health and safety of children amid persistently low minimum temperatures. The order applies to all government and private schools, including pre-schools and anganwadi centres.
Under the directive, academic activities for students from pre-primary to Class 8 will remain suspended till January 7. Classes for students above Class 8 are permitted to operate only between 10 am and 3:30 pm to minimise exposure to the cold.
Officials said the measure was taken as a precautionary step to prevent cold-related illnesses among children. The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The district administration has instructed education officials, sub-divisional officers, block development officers, police station heads and school managements to ensure strict compliance. Schools found violating the order will face action under applicable rules. Special classes and examinations being conducted for board exam preparation have been exempted from the closure to avoid disruption to students’ academic schedules.
The district magistrate also appealed to parents to prioritise their children’s health, urging them to ensure adequate protection against the cold and to follow all necessary precautions during the prevailing weather conditions.
