Holiday declared early in West Bengal schools and colleges due to severe weather. CM Mamata Banerjee directs closure, Bratya Basu confirms Puja vacation starts from September 24.
By Qalam Times News Network | Kolkata | September 23, 2025
Holiday Announced on CM’s Directive
Holiday in all government schools, colleges, and universities across West Bengal has been declared three days earlier than scheduled, following the directive of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The decision comes in response to the severe weather that has disrupted Kolkata and surrounding regions.
CM’s Call Followed by Quick Action
On Tuesday afternoon, Mamata Banerjee publicly urged the government to notify the closure immediately. “I am asking the government to issue a notification right now. From today, schools and colleges will remain closed. Students do not need to attend classes anymore. I hope the Education Minister is listening,” she said.
Responding swiftly, Education Minister Bratya Basu posted on social media confirming that September 24 and 25 (Wednesday and Thursday) would be declared as holidays for all government and government-aided schools, along with higher education institutions. This effectively marks the start of the Durga Puja holiday from Tuesday itself.
Earlier Schedule of Puja Vacation
Originally, the Durga Puja holiday was scheduled to begin from September 26 (Friday). However, as several schools had already suspended classes on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall, the break has effectively begun three days early.
Official Notification and Exceptions
Following the Chief Minister’s remarks, the Education Department released a formal notification. Education Secretary clarified that all government, government-aided, and government-sponsored schools, as well as higher education institutions, will remain closed on September 24 and 25 owing to continuous rain and forecasts of further severe weather. Schools in the Hills, however, are exempt from this order.
Education Minister’s Appeal
Bratya Basu later shared the department’s decision online, writing: “Since Puja holidays were officially scheduled from September 26, they will now effectively begin from tomorrow.” He also requested teachers and non-teaching staff to carry out any essential work from home during the break.
