Primary and secondary schools of a district can be shut if the temperature there falls below 10°C.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and Ministry of Primary and Mass Education today issued separate notices.

"Severe cold waves are currently sweeping over different districts of the country. The normal educational activities of the students are being disrupted due to the weather," read the circulars.

"In this regard, the regional deputy directors, in consultation with the district education officers, may keep the secondary level educational institutions closed if the district witnesses maximum temperature below 10°C [as per weather forecast of the concerned meteorological office]," they added.

The educational institutions can remain shut until the maximum temperature rises to 10°C or above, the circulars further said.

Earlier in the day, the DSHE directed the authorities concerned to close the schools if the maximum temperature in any district falls below 17°C.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education circular will remain effective until January 31.