Maharashtra State Government has ordered education institutions which include government-level & government and private schools & colleges to remain closed as state is on its official mourn the untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for three days.
Three Days of Mourning by the State
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared the three-day state mourning period from January 28 to January 30, 2026 after Ajit Pawar and four others died in a tragic aircraft accident that took place near Baramati.
On all government buildings across the state, the National Flag will fly at half-mast. Every official entertainment program and government function has been canceled. Government offices and educational institutions will be closed to celebrate the veteran leader’s almost four-decade-long career.
Effect On Education And Exam
Though there was some confusion on Wednesday due to the timing of the official circular being posted late, the School Education Department clarified that all schools will also be closed Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30. The University of Mumbai and a handful of other state boards have also announced on the rescheduling of current examinations. It is advised that students and parents keep in contact with their institutions for the updated schedule, which will be released after the time of mourning has taken place.
The Baramati Tragedy
Ajit Pawar, 66, was on his way from Mumbai to Baramati for an election campaign when his chartered Learjet 45 crashed as it made an emergency landing at Baramati Airport. The DGCA has initiated a high-level investigation into the incident, citing poor visibility as a potential preliminary factor.
The Deputy CM’s last rites are scheduled to be performed with full state honors today, January 29, at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati, with high-profile leaders including PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to attend.
