Chandigarh schools to remain open on second Saturdays of September and October

“This arrangement is being made to compensate for the academic loss and to ensure continuity of studies in the interest of students,” an order issued by HPS Brar, Director of School Education, stated.

The directive applies to all government schools in Chandigarh. Heads of institutions have been asked to ensure compliance with the instructions. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the principals and heads of schools, block education officers, and midday meal in-charges.

The disruption in classes follows a spell of unusually heavy rain that battered the tricity in early September, flooding several low-lying areas and leading to widespread waterlogging. Roads were submerged, traffic came to a standstill in several pockets, and many schools were forced to shut down for safety reasons.

The situation in neighbouring Punjab was even more severe, with overflowing rivers inundating villages and displacing thousands of families. Authorities carried out large-scale relief and rescue operations as floodwaters entered homes and damaged standing crops. The prolonged closure of schools across the region prompted the Chandigarh administration to adjust the academic calendar to prevent further setbacks for students.

Parents and teachers have welcomed the decision, noting that the lost teaching hours needed to be recovered. Some, however, expressed concern over the shortened weekend, pointing out that children were already dealing with disrupted routines due to the floods and rain-related closure.