Gaya: In response to the biting winter temperatures gripping Gaya district, the District Magistrate, Thiagarajan SM, has issued a fresh directive impacting both government and non-government schools. The order stipulates a modified operating schedule for schools in the district, now slated to function from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
This decision comes against the backdrop of an extended period of unusually low temperatures in the region this winter. The Meteorological Department, in a series of weather alerts over the past fortnight, has consistently warned of a cold wave and severe cold conditions in Gaya district, and these predictions have proven accurate each day.
Comparable to the frigid conditions experienced in Jammu and Kashmir, Gaya district has endured four days of exceptionally cold weather out of the total 15 thus far. On the remaining days, the minimum temperature has consistently fallen below normal levels. Despite proactive measures taken by the district administration, such as the distribution of blankets and the organization of bonfires, it has been officially acknowledged through the recent DM’s order that this year’s winter temperatures in the district have indeed been exceptionally low.
Over the past ten days, the district administration had previously issued orders for the closure of all government and non-government schools up to class eight on two occasions. This move, however, faced criticism from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, KK Pathak, who expressed strong displeasure upon returning from leave. In response to Pathak’s concerns, an order was promptly issued to reopen the schools. Subsequently, on Monday night, a new directive was issued outlining the revised operational hours for schools up to class 8th, now designated to run from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
As the region continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the unrelenting winter, the modified school schedule aims to strike a balance between ensuring the safety of students and maintaining educational continuity. The district administration remains vigilant, closely monitoring weather forecasts to respond effectively to the evolving conditions.
