The Rajasthan government has announced winter vacations for all schools across the state, scheduled from December 25 to January 5, 2025. This decision follows warnings from the Meteorological Department about increasing cold wave conditions expected to intensify from December 24. Education Minister Madan Dilawar shared the announcement on social media, highlighting the need to prioritize students' health amid harsh winter weather.
"According to the warning issued by the Meteorological Department of Rajasthan state, there is a possibility of a significant increase in the intensity of cold wave in the state from December 24. Keeping this situation in mind, the Education Department of the State Government has decided according to the Academic Almanac, this year's winter vacation will be from December 25 to January 5," Dilawar stated.
This year's winter break follows last year’s precedent when the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) enforced similar vacation schedules. The proactive measure reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding students during extreme weather.
The decision for winter vacations is also timely, particularly as recent months have seen increased discussions about the health impacts of extreme weather. Notably, just last month, authorities in one district of Rajasthan temporarily closed schools and shifted Classes 1 to 5 to online learning due to severe air pollution affecting Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
While the Rajasthan government prepares students for winter break, the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education continues to finalize the schedule for the 2025 board examinations, details of which have yet to be announced.
Elsewhere, the Jammu and Kashmir government has also announced upcoming winter breaks for its colleges. Beginning December 27, government degree colleges within the Kashmir division and certain areas of the Jammu division will observe winter breaks lasting until February 14, 2025. Colleges located within the summer zone of Jammu Division will have vacation from January 1 to January 10, 2025. This broad recognition of winter conditions highlights the significant challenges posed by extreme weather across northern India.
The decision across both Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir emphasizes the regional governments' responsiveness to environmental conditions, ensuring student safety and uninterrupted education during the coldest months of the year.
With health and safety as priorities, the education authorities aim to mitigate risks associated with winter's harsh conditions. Parents and students are now advised to prepare for the upcoming winter vacation, which offers time away from school during what is predicted to be one of the coldest periods of the year.
The announcement has been well-received by parents who appreciate the government’s focus on children’s wellbeing during the winter months. This strategic decision is expected to provide students with time to rest and recuperate during the cold wave, allowing them to return to their studies refreshed after the break.
