Delhi Tightens Winter Guidelines For Schools; Warm Food, Heated Classrooms Made Mandatory

With Delhi expected to face severe cold, cold wave conditions, and dense fog in the coming days, the Directorate of Education has issued comprehensive winter-safety guidelines for all government, aided, and private schools. The directive mandates immediate measures to ensure the health and safety of students, especially younger children who are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses.

According to the guidelines, schools must maintain warm classroom environments and ensure that broken doors and window panes are repaired without delay to prevent cold winds from entering. The Directorate has also made it compulsory to provide lukewarm drinking water to students using kettles, insulated jugs, or heating devices.

ALSO READ: UP: Newborn Dies Of Suffocation After Being Accidentally Crushed Between Sleeping Parents

Strengthening of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) system has been prioritised, with schools instructed to serve only hot, fresh, and nutritious meals. Serving cold food will be strictly prohibited. Arrangements must also be made to seat students indoors to shield them from cold winds and dew.

Teachers have been tasked with ensuring students come to school wearing adequate warm clothing, such as sweaters, jackets, caps, and mufflers. They must identify children lacking proper winter wear and report them to the school authorities. Further, school heads are required to coordinate with School Management Committees, NGOs, RWAs, and charitable groups to support such students.

Morning assemblies will no longer be held outdoors during extreme cold. Schools must conduct prayers inside classrooms or halls, as making children stand outdoors early in the morning has been strictly banned.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Metro-4 Update: 740-Metre Pedestrian Link To Connect Kanjurmarg Railway Station | Details

The Directorate has also directed schools to ensure heaters are provided for security guards stationed at gates so they are not exposed to harsh weather for long hours.

To ensure compliance, district and zonal officials will carry out surprise inspections. Mid-Day Meal quality, drinking water arrangements, classroom conditions, and security measures will be reviewed daily. The Directorate has warned that any negligence will invite strict action against the school concerned.