Why Did the Pune District Collector Declare a Holiday for Schools and Colleges on Friday?

Pune, 25th July 2024: Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase has declared a holiday for all schools on Friday, July 26. The decision comes after extensive consultations with the Meteorological Department and input from Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, amid concerns of confusion among schools and parents.

The district has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall since Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, the rains had prompted Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar to declare holidays for schools and colleges for that day. Later in the evening, Dr. Diwase engaged in discussions with Krishnkant Hosalikar of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding the need for another holiday on Friday. Initially, the consensus was that there was no immediate need for an additional holiday. However, Dr. Diwase requested a precise forecast for Friday to inform his decision.

Meanwhile, former Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil and ruling party representatives, anticipating the potential confusion, sent a letter to the District Collector via social media urging for a holiday on Friday. This letter was widely circulated, adding pressure for a prompt administrative decision.

Guardian Minister Pawar, who swiftly arrived in Pune from Mumbai, reviewed the situation with municipal officials, offering necessary directives and emphasizing on-ground presence. Concurrently, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil also advocated for a holiday through a letter to the District Collector, which was shared on social media by various representatives.

Considering the collective appeals and potential confusion among parents and schools, Dr. Diwase announced a holiday for all government, private, primary, and secondary schools in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding areas including Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli, Khadakwasla, Ambegaon, and Junnar.