The Haryana government ordered all private and government schools to remain closed on May 7 and May 8 in view of a thunderstorm alert by the Indian Meteorological Department. However, most school principals denied having received any official order regarding the shutdown.
Sunita Nagpal, principal of Delhi Public School, Sushant Lok openly defied the order while claiming that it was very surprising that the schools were being asked to remain closed on the basis of a prediction. She said that her school hadn't received any order from the district administration and will be open on both the days.
Peeya Mahajan , principal of Ryan International School, Bhondsi learnt about the development through news and was indecisive regarding the next course of action.
“I cannot confirm anything right now. I am in touch with the school management and we will take a call soon,” said Mahajan. She further added that the final decision will be communicated to parents via the school Whatsapp group and through our online interface.
Since schools have not been able to send messages regarding the development, parents are confused and are going by what has been communicated through news.
“We got the message regarding the closure of schools from our friends. Usually, the school notifies us but because of the weekend we haven’t received any communication from them,” said Lalit Saini whose son studies in St. Xavier's school, Sector 49, Gurgaon.
According to a circular of the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, thunderstorm accompanied with hail has been predicted to hit places in Haryana on May 7 and 8.
“We have alerted all the departments and civic agencies to be ready to meet any situation. Schools have been ordered to remain closed on the government’s direction,” said RK Singh, additional deputy commissioner Gurugram.
