Ludhiana: The latest notification issued by the directorate of school education, secondary, Punjab, following govt directions, has introduced revised school timings across the state in view of the ongoing foggy and cold weather. As per the order, all govt, private, aided and recognised schools will follow a new schedule from Jan 16 to 21. The notification states that primary schools will operate from 10am to 3pm, while middle, high and senior secondary schools will function from 10am to 3.20pm.Although the adjustment aims at ensuring smooth conduct of school hours during adverse weather conditions, it has raised significant concerns among schools in Ludhiana that operate in double shifts. Several govt schools in the district run morning and evening batches due to high student strength, and revised timings have complicated their daily operations.

Double-shift institutions in Ludhiana include Govt Senior Secondary Smart School PAU, Govt Model Senior Secondary School PM Shri Cemetery Road, Sekhewal Govt School, Govt Senior Secondary School Basti Jodhewal, Govt School Millerganj, Govt Multipurpose Senior Secondary School, Govt Girls Senior Secondary School Gill, and Govt Senior Secondary School Kundanpuri. These schools, which already manage large enrolments, are now facing difficulties aligning staff duties, classroom rotations and other routine schedules with newly imposed timings.

School authorities said the shift from the previous schedule has created logistical challenges, particularly because their infrastructure and staffing patterns are designed around two separate shifts. They said the new timing window compresses working hours, making it difficult to manage both batches efficiently.

Adding to the pressure, pre-board examinations are scheduled to begin on Friday. Schools said this adds another layer of responsibility, as they must conduct exams while adjusting to the revised timings at very short notice.

Officials from several double-shift schools said the situation differs significantly from single-shift schools, which are likely to find the revised timings easier to implement. They acknowledged that the new schedule poses challenges but added that they were working on adjustments and would comply as required.

District education officer (DEO) Dimple Madaan was unavailable for comment on concerns raised by double-shift schools.

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