Varanasi Schools To Stay Closed For Classes 1 To 8 Until February 8, Check Details – News18

Last Updated:February 06, 2025, 17:37 IST

Varanasi has extended school closures until Feb 8, 2025, due to Maha Kumbh Mela transport issues.

The Varanasi district administration has extended the closure of schools in urban areas of the district until February 8, 2025. The decision comes in the wake of rising transportation issues arising from the large influx of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. To ensure smooth traffic management and maintain order, the district administration has extended the school closures in urban areas of Varanasi.

All government, council, and aided schools from Classes 1 to 8, along with CBSE, ICSE, and other board-affiliated English and Hindi medium schools, will continue their classes online. However, schools in rural areas will continue to function as usual with physical attendance.

“As per the instructions given by the District Magistrate of Varanasi, and in consideration of the transportation difficulties and student welfare, all Council, Government, Aided, and CBSE/ICSE recognized/affiliated schools for Classes 1 to 8 in the urban areas of Varanasi will conduct their classes online until February 8, 2025. However, schools in the rural areas will continue with physical classes as usual,” stated the official notification.

Although classes will be conducted online, principals and staff of council-aided schools are required to continue reporting to their respective campuses.

“For council-aided schools, work on DBT, Aapaar ID seeding, and other critical administrative tasks is ongoing. Principals and staff are required to remain present at their schools to manage these tasks and also oversee important activities such as Bal Vatika Operation, Kaya Kalp, painting, school repairs, and MDM (Mid-Day Meal) operations. In addition, any ongoing training programs should be completed as per the scheduled time,” reads the official notice roughly translated from Hindi.

On February 5, 2025, a sudden surge in the number of pilgrims arriving from Prayagraj caused severe traffic congestion in Varanasi, leading to major transportation challenges. In response, authorities have implemented urgent measures to manage the situation.