Govt issues winter safety guidelines for schools

Amid forecasts of severe cold waves, dense fog and prolonged low temperatures in the national capital, the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT Delhi, has issued a comprehensive winter preparedness circular for all government, government-aided and private-unaided recognised schools. The circular directs schools to adopt immediate measures to safeguard student health and ensure uninterrupted learning during peak winter months.

The notice, issued by DoE Veditha Reddy, emphasises a proactive and student-centric approach, particularly for younger children, who are more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses and cold related discomfort.

As part of the instructions, schools have been told to strengthen the mid-day meal system, ensuring that freshly prepared hot meals are served on time and consumed in indoor or sheltered spaces. Schools have also been advised to provide lukewarm drinking water, with government school heads being allowed to utilise school management committee (SMC) funds for the same.

Teachers are required to monitor whether students are adequately dressed in warm clothing, including sweaters, socks, caps, gloves and scarves. Heads of schools must identify students lacking proper winter wear and coordinate with NGOs, RWAs and local support networks to assist them.

To reduce exposure to harsh conditions, schools may shift morning assemblies indoors and restrict outdoor activities during peak cold hours. Minor repair works such as fixing broken windowpanes and doors must be completed urgently to prevent cold air from entering classrooms. The circular also permits the use of SMC funds to provide heaters for school security staff.

Schools have further been directed to conduct short awareness sessions on respiratory health, hygiene and preventive care, along with maintaining updated emergency contact information of parents. Heads of schools are required to establish a winter readiness plan and adjust school schedules if needed during extreme weather.

The directorate has instructed the district and zonal authorities to conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance.