The Jammu and Kashmir government today announced revised school timings starting Monday, citing improved weather conditions and feedback from students and parents.
J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the decision was made after taking into account the recent spell of rainfall that brought relief.
“Children’s health is our top priority. That’s why we earlier declared an extended 15-day break during the peak heatwave,” the Minister told media in Srinagar.
“Many had demanded further holidays, the academic calendar has already shifted from March to November and there was little room for more off days. We had also announced holidays when there was a war like situation ,” she added.
Schools across Jammu and Kashmir reopened on July 8 after a 15-day summer vacation, despite widespread public demand for an extension due to the intense heatwave. However, the government went ahead with the reopening and introduced revised school timings to mitigate the impact of high temperatures. For schools located within municipal limits across all districts, the timings were set from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. In rural areas, school time was fixed from 8 am to 12 noon for all classes from primary to 12th grade.
The Minister acknowledged that several students had personally reached out to request a change in school timings, complaining that early mornings were difficult due to the heat.
“The parents also echoed the concern, prompting authorities to hold back on a final decision for a week, during which public opinion was sought,” Itoo said
“Now that the weather has improved and temperatures have dropped, we are revising the school timings from Monday,” Itoo said , thanking the public for their patience.
She emphasized that the move is aimed at ensuring both student well-being and academic continuity.
“We are working for the children, so they get the best education and can compete in the future at all levels,” the minister added.
