Punjab schools see record closures in 2024
MNP – The year 2024 will be remembered as a challenging one for Punjab’s educational sector, with schools and colleges experiencing prolonged and frequent closures.
From extreme weather conditions to emergencies, the province’s educational institutions faced interruptions on 205 out of the 365 days of the year.
Impact of climate and emergencies
The educational calendar was significantly disrupted due to severe heatwaves, smog, and political events. Summer holidays, originally scheduled to end by mid-August, were extended as temperatures soared across the region. Winter vacations bookended the year, further curtailing academic days.
In November, schools remained closed for 16 days due to the hazardous smog blanketing Punjab, a recurring issue during the colder months. Additionally, an unconfirmed security incident at Konji College on October 18 and 19 prompted authorities to shut down educational institutions for safety concerns.
The electoral process also played its part in the disruptions, with schools closed from February 6 to 9 for general elections.
