After an extended shutdown triggered by the devastating floods, educational institutions across Punjab are set to welcome back students from September 9, Education Minister Harjot Bains announced on Sunday.

The state government had earlier ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and universities until September 7, citing safety concerns in the aftermath of one of the worst floods in decades. Bains clarified that September 8 will remain a holiday for students, though teachers will be present in schools to oversee cleanliness and structural safety checks with the support of panchayats, municipal councils, and corporations.

“All government schools will stay closed for students on September 8. Teachers will carry out a detailed inspection of classrooms and report any damages immediately to the deputy commissioner and the district engineering department,” Bains said.

The minister further directed private schools to ensure classrooms and infrastructure are fully safe before reopening. The government stressed that safety checks are non-negotiable, especially in flood-hit regions.

Meanwhile, politics and governance will converge in Punjab on September 9, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gurdaspur to review flood relief efforts. He will meet affected families and farmers, offering reassurance of central support.

The BJP’s Punjab unit confirmed the visit in a post on X: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Gurdaspur, Punjab, on 9th September. He will meet directly with the flood-affected brothers-sisters and farmers to share their sorrow and take every possible step to help the victims.”