Schools will conclude classes no later than 2 pm on September 21 and will remain closed on September 22. Additionally, colleges will be closed on both September 21 and 22.
The Gautam Budh Nagar administration issued this directive on Monday, taking into account the commencement of the first edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show on September 21 and the upcoming MotoGP event scheduled from September 22 to 24. As per the instructions provided by Dharmveer Singh, the district inspector of schools (DIOS) for Gautam Budh Nagar, schools will be dismissed early on September 21 and remain closed on September 22. Likewise, all colleges, universities, and higher educational institutions have been instructed to remain closed on both September 21 and 22.
In his statement, Singh clarified, “Schools will conclude classes no later than 2 pm on September 21, and they will be closed on September 22. Colleges will also remain closed on both September 21 and 22.”
However, it’s important to note that schools and higher education institutions are allowed to conduct online classes during this period. The DIOS pointed out, “Online classes are permitted, but schools with half-yearly examinations have been asked to reschedule.”
The decision to close educational institutions on these specific days was made to prevent traffic congestion and ensure security due to two major events in the district, namely the trade show and the MotoGP event.
The order for schools and higher education institutions stated, “Since the trade show and MotoGP event will attract a significant number of national and international visitors and exhibitors to the district, closing schools is intended to facilitate proper security arrangements and traffic management, minimizing inconvenience to students and parents.”
Trade fair organizers reported that more than 47,000 buyers have registered for the event, and there will be around 2,000 exhibitors participating. For the MotoGP event, it is expected that at least 70,000 spectators will attend, with 22 bike riders from 11 international teams competing and arriving in Greater Noida along with their management teams.
The official schedule of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) indicates that President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the trade fair on September 21 at 4 pm.
Manish Verma, district magistrate, explained, “The UPITS is taking place at the Expo Mart, located in the Knowledge Park sector of Greater Noida. Since this sector is home to more than 50 colleges and universities, it was decided to close them for two days.”
According to Aditi Basu Roy, district president of All India Principals’ Association (GB Nagar chapter) and principal of Grads International School, Greater Noida, the decision will not adversely affect students’ studies. She stated, “Most schools in Noida and Greater Noida are currently conducting half-yearly examinations for classes 6 to 12. Schools will reschedule their examinations due to the one-day closure order, ensuring that students’ studies are not disrupted. Online classes will continue.”
However, representatives from parents’ associations expressed concerns about the impact of the closures on students’ studies. Manoj Kataria, founder of the Gautambudhnagar Parents Welfare Society (GPWS), commented, “Closing educational institutions for such events doesn’t seem reasonable. With upcoming festivals, students will already have additional vacation days next month, which could disrupt their studies.”
District Magistrate Verma defended the decision, saying, “The decision was made to benefit all stakeholders involved, as we do not want students and parents to face inconvenience during the events.”
