Will Schools in Jharkhand Stay Closed Until January 8 Due to Severe Cold?
Synopsis
As the cold wave grips Jharkhand, the state government has decided to close all schools until January 8. This measure is aimed at safeguarding students amid extreme weather conditions. The decision comes as temperatures plummet and dense fog reduces visibility, prompting concerns for students' health and safety.
Key Takeaways
All schools in Jharkhand will be closed until January 8 due to extreme cold.
Teachers must report for non-academic duties.
Weather forecasts indicate temperatures may drop to 5 degrees Celsius.
Parents are encouraged to keep children indoors.
Precautionary measures are crucial for student safety.
Ranchi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Due to the worsening cold wave and thick fog enveloping Jharkhand, the state government has mandated the closure of all educational institutions until January 8. In an official announcement from the School Education and Literacy Department on Monday, it was stated that all types of schools, including government, aided, unaided (including minority), and private, will be shut down from January 6 to January 8, 2026.
This order affects students ranging from pre-nursery to Class 12, and no standard academic activities will take place during this time. However, the department emphasized that teachers and non-teaching staff at government schools must report to their workplaces and perform non-academic responsibilities as directed.
Regarding the pre-Board examinations scheduled during this closure, the department mentioned that the responsible authorities at the respective schools may make decisions regarding their execution after evaluating the current weather conditions.
The decision was influenced by the latest warnings from the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, which indicated cold wave and 'cold day' conditions across various regions in the state over the next two days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that minimum temperatures could fall to approximately 5 degrees Celsius, especially in districts such as Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Koderma, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Hazaribagh.
Additionally, dense fog is expected to persist in the northern and western parts of Jharkhand during the morning, potentially lowering visibility to between 50 and 200 meters.
Districts including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deoghar, and Palamu are also predicted to experience further drops of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours.
Weather experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such harsh cold can negatively impact the health of young children. This has led the state government to implement precautionary measures for the students' safety.
The administration has also urged parents to refrain from sending their children outside unnecessarily and to adopt all necessary precautions in light of the severe cold.
Point of View
This decision by the Jharkhand government reflects an essential focus on children's safety amid extreme weather. The closure of schools is a proactive measure to protect students from potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to severe cold. Such decisions underscore the need for government responsiveness and public welfare prioritization.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are schools in Jharkhand closed?
Schools are closed due to a severe cold wave and dense fog conditions that pose health risks to students.
How long will the schools remain closed?
Schools will remain closed from January 6 to January 8, 2026.
Are teachers required to report during the closure?
Yes, teachers and non-teaching staff must report to their schools for non-academic duties.
What are the expected weather conditions?
The India Meteorological Department predicts minimum temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius and persistent dense fog.
What should parents do during this closure?
Parents are advised to keep their children indoors and take necessary precautions against the cold.
