KK Pathak Issues Reversal Order on School Closures

Patna: The Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, KK Pathak, has issued strict instructions to withdraw the orders for closing schools, directing all divisional commissioners to reverse the decision immediately. This move comes amid differing opinions, as the Nalanda District Magistrate has chosen to keep schools up to class eight and Anganwadi centers closed until January 23, citing concerns about the cold wave.

Pathak emphasized that any orders to close schools due to the cold wave should be rescinded in the jurisdictions where they were issued. He clarified that for government schools, the standard operating hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and any changes to this schedule require prior approval from the Education Department. Pathak urged an end to the tradition of frequently closing schools for various reasons.

Furthermore, the Additional Chief Secretary highlighted the need for uniformity in implementing orders related to winter or cold waves across entire districts. He directed Divisional Commissioners to advise district officers to ensure consistency and uniformity when issuing such orders.

In a letter addressed to all Divisional Commissioners, Pathak raised concerns about the selective application of Section 144 orders by District Magistrates, specifically in relation to school closures. He questioned the rationale behind singling out schools, emphasizing that other institutions such as coaching institutes, cinema halls, malls, shops, and commercial establishments had not faced restrictions on their activities or operating hours.

Pathak challenged the district administration’s decision to solely target schools, asking why the impact of the supposed cold wave was limited only to educational institutions. He pointed out the inconsistency in applying Section 144, highlighting that coaching institutes, which often include students from the affected schools, were not subjected to the same restrictions.