Keeping in mind the security and arrangements during the Kanwar Yatra in Meerut, all schools and colleges will remain closed from 16 to 23 July. For the first time, the administration has also included degree colleges in the holiday.

The excitement of Kanwar Yatra has increased in Meerut and with this, the administration has taken a big decision and declared a holiday in all the schools and colleges of the district from July 16 to July 23. This order will be strictly applicable to every educational institution of the district, whether government or private, all boards.

District Magistrate Dr. V.K. Singh issued the order and clarified that the main festival of Shivratri is on July 23 and the tradition of Jalabhishek will be performed on the same day. In such a situation, the Kanwar Yatra will be in full swing and lakhs of Kanwariyas will pass through the district. This decision has been taken in view of crowd and security, so that the impact on traffic and public facilities is reduced and the safety of the students can be ensured.

Everything from schools to degree colleges is closed

The administration has clearly stated in the order that all primary and upper primary schools running under the Basic Education Council, all inter colleges under the Secondary Education Council, CBSE, ICSE Board, Madrasa Board, as well as all degree colleges and technical institutes will remain completely closed from July 16 to July 23. This is the first time that a holiday has been announced in degree colleges during the Kanwar Yatra, which is a new decision in itself.

Strict action will be taken if the order is not followed

DM Dr. Singh has warned that if any school or college is found open during these holidays, strict action will be taken against it. He has directed the Regional Higher Education Officer, Principals of Degree Colleges, ITI Heads, District School Inspector (DIOS) and BSA to ensure compliance of this order.

Officers issued instructions

DIOS Rajesh Kumar and BSA Asha Chaudhary have also asked the principals and headmasters of all schools to strictly follow the order. During the Kanwar Yatra, lakhs of Shiva devotees take Ganga water from Haridwar and go to their respective Shiva temples and Meerut is a major route for this holy journey. In such a situation, the decision to keep schools and colleges closed is being considered important in terms of both security and convenience.