Punjab school reopening postponed to 9 September, DCs to inspect buildings for safety

Punjab schools will now reopen on September 9, 2025, after being closed due to heavy rains and severe flooding across the region. The schools, initially closed on August 27, 2025, have undergone significant disruption as a result of what officials describe as the most intense floods in the last 30 years.The Punjab government has directed District Commissioners (DCs) to inspect school buildings before students return. Only teachers and school staff are allowed to visit campuses on September 8, 2025, to assess the condition of buildings, clean classrooms, and carry out necessary safety checks. Student attendance will resume only if the premises are deemed safe.DCs to conduct safety inspectionsDCs across flood-affected areas have been tasked with conducting physical inspections of all schools to evaluate structural safety and sanitation conditions. These inspections are mandatory, and each DC has the authority to delay the reopening of any school that has sustained serious flood-related damage or poses safety concerns.If a school is found unsafe, its reopening may be postponed further. This precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring the protection of students, teachers, and staff. The decision to reopen each school will be based solely on the findings of the respective DC.Floods affect school infrastructureThe recent floods in Punjab have resulted in extensive damage across various districts. At least 43 lives have been lost due to flood-related incidents, and numerous areas are still under recovery. Educational institutions are among the public infrastructures significantly impacted.School buildings in many parts of the province have experienced structural issues, waterlogging, and damage to basic facilities. The assessment and cleanup efforts by school staff on September 8, 2025, are intended to prepare the premises for students’ return the following day, provided that DCs approve the reopening.State government coordinates flood responseThe state government has implemented a coordinated response to address the impact of the floods on the education sector. Teachers and administrative staff have been instructed to carry out cleaning, minor repairs, and classroom safety checks before the DC inspections.Efforts are being made to restore normalcy and ensure schools are safe, clean, and ready for academic activities. Authorities have advised parents and students to remain informed through official updates regarding reopening status.Further updates will be provided as DCs complete inspections and make reopening decisions on a school-by-school basis.Important information and instructions regarding the reopening of educational institutions in the state of Punjab1. All government, private, and aided schools, colleges, and universities in the state will reopen as usual from tomorrow. If any school or college has been affected by floods, the decision to keep it closed will be taken by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district.2. It is mandatory for the administrators of private schools to ensure that the school buildings and classrooms are completely safe, in order to guarantee the safety of students and teachers.3. All government schools in the state will remain closed for students on September 8. However, teachers are required to be present, and the cleaning process will be carried out with the support of SMCs, Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Corporations.4. School buildings will be thoroughly inspected by the teachers. If any issues or defects are identified, they must be reported immediately to the Deputy Commissioner and the district's Engineering Department.5. All government schools will reopen as usual from September 9.