Srinagar, July 8: Schools across Kashmir reopened on Tuesday after a two-week summer break, just a day after heavy rainfall ended the prolonged heatwave in the region. However, the decision to resume classes with advanced morning timings has sparked criticism from parents and educators alike.
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday announced that summer vacations would not be extended, even as high temperatures persisted through the day. But by late afternoon, heavy rains swept through the valley, bringing much-needed relief and restoring normal temperatures.
Amid this weather shift, the government implemented revised school timings—7:30 am to 11:30 am in municipal areas and 8:00 am to 12 noon in other zones. Minister for Education, Sakina Masood Ittoo, said the move was aimed at avoiding exposure to peak daytime heat.
“We are reopening schools from Tuesday in Kashmir Division and Winter Zones of Jammu Division,” she posted on X. “After a one-hour break, two online classes will follow. Teachers must remain available till 2 PM. All HoIs must ensure the online sessions are held without fail.”
However, the new hybrid model has drawn sharp reactions online. Several parents posted videos showing young children struggling to wake up before dawn in order to catch early buses between 6:30 and 7:00 am.
“This is too early for young kids, especially after a break,” said a parent in Srinagar. “They are being forced to wake up at 5:30 am, which is unfair.”
The summer vacation had initially been announced from June 23 to July 7 due to extreme heat.(KNS)
