The News Freedom
Chandigarh, January 14
Punjab hunkered down amid biting winter, shutting down all primary schools – government, aided, recognized, and private – until January 20 to prioritize student safety. School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, echoing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s concerns, announced the extended holiday, emphasizing the need to protect young children from harsh weather conditions. Middle, high, and senior secondary schools, however, will resume regular classes from January 15, albeit with shorter hours from 10 am to 3 pm for single shifts and from 9 am to 4 pm for double shifts, ensuring all schools close before the winter’s harshest bite.