In a major move aimed at safeguarding students’ health, the Punjab government has extended the winter holidays of educational institutions by one week following an overwhelming public response in favour of the move.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that all educational institutions across the province will now reopen on January 19. He said the decision was taken after consulting the public through a survey conducted on his official social media page.

According to the education minister, the decision reflects public will, as a significant majority supported extending the holidays. He said about 87% of respondents voted in favour of reopening schools on January 19, while only 13% preferred reopening on January 12.

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Later, taking to his X account, the minister shared that decision had been taken in view of "the prolonged winter spell & extremely low temperature next week", on the advice of the PDMA.

Important=
Due to The Prolonged Winter Spell & Extremely Low Temperature Next Week.
As Advised By PDMA,
Punjab Govt Has decided to Extend Winter Vacations Till The 19th Of January.
— Rana Sikandar Hayat (@RanaSikandarH) January 10, 2026

Poll results shared

Rana Sikandar Hayat disclosed that a total of 154,178 votes were cast in favour of January 19 in the online poll. Meanwhile, 24,829 people voted for reopening educational institutions on January 12.

Also Read: Major update on winter holidays in Punjab - Minister clarifies

The education minister said the extension was approved keeping in view the severity of the ongoing weather conditions. He stressed that students’ health and well-being remained the top priority of the Punjab government.

Instructions issued for implementation

Rana Sikandar directed all chief executive officers (CEOs) of education departments to ensure strict implementation of the decision in their respective districts. He said uniform enforcement across Punjab is essential to avoid confusion among parents, teachers and students.

Calling it a “health-focused decision,” the minister said public consultation helped shape a policy that directly benefits students. He reiterated that the Punjab government will continue to take decisions that prioritise education quality alongside student safety.

According to the notification issued, school holidays have been extended from January 12 to 18, and all schools will reopen on January 19. The decision applies to both public and private educational institutions throughout Punjab.

Officials said the extension has been approved to safeguard students’ health amid severe cold and harsh weather conditions. All district education authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the holiday extension in their respective areas.

Just a day ago, the minister had dismissed viral reports claiming an extension of school and college holidays. He confirmed that all educational institutions in the province will reopen on January 12 as planned.

The minister clarified that no official notification had been issued to extend the winter break for schools and colleges.

“The viral notification circulating online is fake,” he said, emphasizing that the Education Department has not made any changes to the academic calendar.