Punjab Closes Schools in Five Border Districts and Sangrur on May 12 Due to Election Preparations
The Punjab government has directed schools in six districts to shut down on May 12. These include five border districts—Pathankot, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran—along with Sangrur. This decision applies to both government and private educational institutions.
Meanwhile, schools in the rest of Punjab will remain open and continue with their regular academic schedule.
Districts Affected by the One-Day School Closure
The government ordered the closure of all schools in:
- Pathankot
- Amritsar
- Ferozepur
- Gurdaspur
- Tarn Taran
- Sangrur
Authorities informed school management to suspend all classes for the day. The order affects every type of school, including public, private, and aided institutions.
Why the Government Announced the Closure
Although the official notice didn’t explain the reason in detail, election-related preparations likely prompted the decision. Punjab is currently preparing for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for June 1. Schools often serve as polling booths or administrative centers during elections.
The five border districts sit close to the India-Pakistan border. During election seasons or national events, security agencies usually increase surveillance in these areas. Officials may have decided to close schools to ease election-related arrangements and ensure safety.
Including Sangrur, which doesn’t share a border with Pakistan, suggests the closure may also help with local administrative planning or infrastructure setup.
How This Affects Students, Teachers, and Families
Many parents and students had to change their plans after hearing the news. With exams approaching, some students lost valuable classroom time, while others welcomed a short break.
“My daughter was preparing for her weekly test, but now it’s delayed,” said Rajiv Batra, a parent from Tarn Taran. “The notice caught us by surprise, though it does give her more time to revise.”
Teachers quickly adjusted their lesson plans. Some schools plan to conduct missed lessons later this week. Others might use online platforms to share study material. Many educators noted that better advance communication could have helped them manage the schedule more effectively.
Schools Often Used for Election Operations
In India, authorities often use school buildings during elections. Classrooms become voting booths, and teachers assist with poll duties. Election staff may need the space for early preparations like setting up equipment or conducting training.
By temporarily closing schools, officials can carry out these preparations without disrupting regular academic activities. Considering Punjab’s border sensitivity and the scale of the election process, the government likely took this step to avoid last-minute issues.
Why Only These Six Districts?
The decision to close schools in only six districts has raised questions. Border districts like Amritsar and Ferozepur often follow stricter protocols due to their location. During major events, these areas require extra care and planning.
Sangrur, though not a border district, may have unique administrative needs. Officials might be preparing polling infrastructure or organizing training camps for election workers. So far, the administration hasn’t provided a specific reason for including Sangrur, but it’s clear they aim to prepare key areas ahead of time.
How the Public Reacted
After the announcement, parents and school staff shared their reactions online. Some appreciated the precaution, while others felt frustrated by the lack of clarity.
A teacher from Ferozepur wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “We understand the need for planning during elections, but a clearer and earlier notification would have helped us organize better.”
Schools responded quickly by updating parents through WhatsApp, texts, and school apps. Many institutions rescheduled events and tests planned for that day.
What to Expect After May 12
As of now, schools in the six districts will reopen on May 13, unless district officials release another update. Parents should stay in touch with their children’s schools and watch for new instructions through official channels.
Conclusion
By closing schools on May 12 in select districts, the Punjab government took a preventive step to support smooth election preparations and ensure security. The move may inconvenience some students and teachers, but it reflects the importance of readiness in sensitive areas.
With elections just weeks away, state officials are prioritizing safe, organized polling arrangements. Parents, teachers, and school staff across Punjab should remain alert for any further announcements, especially in areas involved in election-related operations.
