Punjab Government Denies Reports of 10-Day School Closure for Basant

Over the past few days, confusion has spread across Punjab as claims surfaced on social media suggesting that schools would be closed for 10 days due to Basant celebrations. 

The messages, shared widely on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms, stated that both public and private schools would remain closed in early February and even hinted that school rooftops could be used for kite-flying activities.

These claims quickly gained traction, especially among parents and students already accustomed to schedule changes due to weather conditions and recent academic adjustments. Many families began rearranging plans, assuming the extended closure was official.

Education Department calls notification fake

The Punjab government has now categorically denied these reports, calling the circulating notification fake and misleading. Officials from the School Education Department clarified that no decision has been taken to close schools for 10 days in connection with Basant or any other festival.

According to education authorities, the alleged notification did not originate from any government office and does not follow the format used for official directives. 

They urged the public to rely only on verified government announcements rather than forwarded messages or screenshots with no official backing.

Education Minister issues clarification

Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, personally addressed the issue after the rumours caused widespread concern. He stated that schools across the province will continue to operate according to their regular academic schedules and that no province-wide holidays have been announced for Basant.

The minister stressed that official school holidays are always communicated through proper channels, including formal notifications and press briefings. Any message claiming extended closures without confirmation from these sources should be treated as false.

Why the rumour seemed believable

The timing of the false reports played a key role in how quickly they spread. Basant, traditionally celebrated in parts of Lahore and nearby areas, has recently made a limited return after years of restrictions. This renewed discussion around the festival created space for speculation about possible holidays.

In addition, Punjab schools have already experienced closures and schedule changes in recent months due to winter weather conditions, fog, and safety concerns. This made many parents more likely to believe that another extended break could be announced.

No province-wide holidays planned

Officials clarified that while Basant events may take place in certain areas under strict regulations, this does not translate into province-wide school closures. At most, local administrations may declare short, area-specific holidays if required for security or crowd management reasons.

Such decisions, however, are made by district authorities and apply only to limited localities. They are never announced informally and are always communicated clearly to schools and parents ahead of time.

Concerns raised by parents and educators

The rumour caused unnecessary stress for parents, particularly those managing work schedules and exam preparations for their children. Several school administrations reported receiving dozens of calls from concerned parents seeking confirmation.

Teachers also expressed frustration, noting that misinformation disrupts academic planning and creates confusion among students. With exams, assessments, and syllabus deadlines approaching, educators stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in school calendars.

Government warns against misinformation

Punjab authorities have once again urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information. Officials warned that fake notifications not only create panic but also undermine trust in public institutions.

Parents and students were advised to check school announcements, official department statements, or verified government sources before assuming changes in academic schedules. Education officials reiterated that legitimate notifications always include clear references, proper formatting, and identifiable issuing authorities.

Safety measures for Basant still in place

While schools remain open, the government has confirmed that safety regulations related to Basant are being enforced. Restrictions on kite-flying materials, locations, and activities are already in effect to prevent accidents and maintain public order.

Authorities emphasised that these measures are focused on public safety and have no direct connection to school operations. Educational institutions are not involved in Basant-related activities and will continue functioning normally.

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Final word for parents and students

As of now, there is no official announcement regarding extended school holidays for Basant in Punjab. Schools will follow their existing academic calendars unless formally notified otherwise.

Parents and students are encouraged to stay calm, avoid sharing unverified messages, and confirm any updates directly with school administrations. With misinformation spreading faster than ever, officials stress that awareness and verification are key to avoiding unnecessary confusion.

For now, classrooms across Punjab will remain open, and academic activities will continue as scheduled.