DC Authorized to Close Institutions in Severely Flood-Affected Areas
Chandigarh, September 7
As Punjab recovers from the recent devastating floods and heavy rainfall, Education Minister Harjot Bains announced the reopening of all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, polytechnic institutes, and ITIs, starting September 8. However, Deputy Commissioners have been empowered to order closures in areas still severely impacted by the floods.
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Detailing the reopening plan, Bains stated that private schools may resume operations for both teachers and students on September 8, provided school managements ensure the safety of buildings and classrooms. Government schools will follow a phased approach: teachers and staff are required to report on September 8 for inspections, cleaning, and damage assessments, while classes for students will commence on September 9. School heads have been directed to coordinate with School Management Committees (SMCs), panchayats, and Municipal Corporations (MCs) to ensure thorough cleaning of premises. Any structural damage to buildings or classrooms must be immediately reported to the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or Engineering Department to prioritize the safety of students and staff.
The Education Minister further clarified that colleges, universities, ITIs, and polytechnic institutes will resume regular operations for both faculty and students starting September 8.
Emphasizing safety, Bains instructed the administration to ensure all educational institutions are fully functional and safe. School heads and management committees have been tasked with ensuring proper water drainage and comprehensive cleaning of premises to create a secure environment for learning.
