Punjab school holiday tomorrow: Will schools reopen on October 16 after bandh? Check latest update

Schools across Punjab are expected to reopen on Friday, October 16, 2026, according to the available information, as no statewide order has been issued extending closures beyond Thursday's bandh. The October 15 shutdown was called over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, prompting local disruptions and school-level decisions in several districts.The response to the bandh varied across the state. Some private schools, particularly in Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Moga and Mansa, declared a holiday or shifted classes online. Most government schools continued their regular schedules, as the state government had not announced a blanket closure for all educational institutions.Will schools remain closed on October 16?There is no confirmed statewide school holiday for Friday, October 16. Schools are expected to resume normal operations unless individual managements or district administrations issue separate instructions based on local conditions.“There is no information available at the moment regarding the school being closed. If I learn anything about the school closing, I will share it with you in the group. Thank you,” an official told TOI Education on condition of anonymity.Parents and students should check messages from their schools and notices issued by their respective district administrations before travelling.Why were schools closed on October 15?The Punjab bandh was called in protest against the killing of Jhota, who was associated with the Nasha Virohi Sanjh Committee and campaigned against drug abuse. He was shot dead in Mansa on October 13 while broadcasting a Facebook Live session during a confrontation with a medical store owner over the alleged sale of addictive drugs.The shutdown call was backed by anti-drug groups, farmer organisations, social bodies, traders' associations and opposition parties. Demonstrations, road blockades and market closures disrupted normal activities in some areas.School closure decisions varied by districtThe absence of a statewide closure order meant individual institutions and local authorities determined whether classes could continue safely. Some private schools opted for precautionary closures or online lessons, while most government schools remained open.The bandh was scheduled from 6 am to 5 pm on October 15. With no statewide extension announced, Friday's school schedule will depend on any fresh local instructions issued by school managements or district authorities.Parents should rely on official school communications for confirmation of reopening arrangements.Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.