Severe cold wave grips Tripura as TTAADC orders 10-day closure of schools from January 3 to 13. Parents welcome the move while state-run schools remain open, sparking debate over uniform winter safety measures.
A severe cold wave continues to grip Tripura, pushing minimum temperatures below 12.5 degrees Celsius in several districts and prompting the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to order the temporary closure of all educational institutions under its jurisdiction. The decision comes amid growing health concerns for students, particularly younger children, as cold, foggy, and windy mornings persist across the state.
According to an official notification issued by the TTAADC Education Department, all schools managed by the autonomous council will remain closed from January 3 to January 13. The move is aimed at safeguarding students from the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to harsh winter conditions. However, the council clarified that practical examinations for Classes X and XII will proceed as per the existing schedule, ensuring that academic assessments are not disrupted.
The order applies to primary, middle, and secondary schools operating under TTAADC authority across tribal areas. Officials stated that the decision was taken after reviewing weather forecasts and reports of increasing cold-related illnesses among children.
Parents have widely welcomed the decision, especially those with children in lower classes. Many expressed relief, stating that daily travel to school during early morning hours had become increasingly difficult. Dense fog, biting winds, and low visibility have made commuting unsafe, particularly for students who walk long distances or rely on bicycles and shared transport.
Several parents reported that their children had been suffering from cough, cold, fever, and fatigue due to prolonged exposure to cold weather. “Young children are the worst affected. Sending them to school before sunrise in such weather is risky,” said a parent from a TTAADC -administered area.
In contrast, state government-run schools and colleges continue to function as usual, as no similar directive has been issued by the state education department. This has triggered widespread public debate and concern over the lack of a uniform policy across Tripura despite similar climatic conditions.
Citizens and education stakeholders have questioned how two different administrative decisions can apply within the same state when weather conditions remain equally severe across regions. Social media platforms and local forums have been abuzz with discussions demanding clarity and consistency from the authorities.
Teachers’ associations and educationists have also urged the state government to consider temporary school closures, winter vacations, or study leave. They emphasized that students of government schools are equally vulnerable to cold-related health risks, especially those traveling long distances on foot or by bicycle during early morning hours.
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Education experts argue that short-term academic loss can be compensated through adjusted schedules or online assignments, but student health should remain the top priority. With meteorological agencies predicting continued cold conditions over the coming days, pressure is mounting on the state government to review its stance.
As Tripura battles one of its colder winter spells in recent years, the TTAADC’s proactive decision has reignited discussions on student safety, administrative coordination, and the need for a unified approach during extreme weather events.
