GHAZIABAD: The district administration on Wednesday ordered all schools and educational institutions to remain closed from Thursday till July 23 due to the ongoing kanwar yatra – a decision that has sparked criticism from teachers and parents who argue that suspension of classes for a week disrupts studies.
The order, issued by the basic education department after directions from the district magistrate, said the decision to close schools was taken "keeping in mind, the movement and safety of children" at a time when a large number of devotees will be crossing the district to reach Haridwar.
The closure, it said, applies to all primary, upper primary, secondary, CBSE, ICSE, technical, higher education, madrasa, and Sanskrit board institutions, across all classes.
On Wednesday, some private schools announced that they will resort to conducting online classes for a week.
"We have already prepared an online schedule for classes and it will be rolled out immediately. Classes must not be hampered for such causes. Schools already get few working days throughout the year because of pollution break, summer break, winter break and other reasons," said Seema Jerath, principal at DLF Public School in Ghaziabad.
Others raised concerns about completing the course.
"Why is this a priority at this hour? Compromising academics and closure of schools for a week only for religious rallies is not acceptable. Online classes are feasible for schools, where students come from well-off families. However, there are students who belong to EWS categories, and govt schools too. How can they conduct online classes," asked a principal of a private school in the city.
Parents, too, criticised the move."There are so many working parents. If kids are left at home, it is a problem for them too. Moreover, students — especially those approaching board exams — will be most affected by such decisions. Online classes are not a solution for completing academic curriculum smoothly," said Vivek Tyagi, president of Ghaziabad Parents Association.
The kanwar yatra will reach a peak on July 23, which will be observed as Sawan's Shivratri, and is expected to draw large crowds.
Other than Ghaziabad, similar week-long school closures have been ordered in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts of UP. In Bareilly, schools remain closed on all four Mondays, and in Badaun, primary school classes are suspended every Saturday and Monday of the month of Sawan.
Ayantika Pal is a correspondent with The Times of India NCR burea...
Read MoreAyantika Pal is a correspondent with The Times of India NCR bureau, reporting mainly from Noida and Ghaziabad. She covers a diverse range of beats—including health, education, start‑ups, and social welfare—while also delving into in‑depth long‑form features, photo-essays, and human‑interest stories. Beyond her narrative‑driven journalism, she is passionate about photography, creative art, and music, which frequently enrich her storytelling with visual and cultural depth.
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