Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, July 12: Following a slight improvement in weather and after facing severe criticism from the general public, the authorities today once again revised school timings across Kashmir, effective from Monday. This is the third time that the Government changed school timings since last week of May.
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According to an order issued by the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir (DSEK), the new timings have been announced in view of the change in weather and in the “academic interest” of students.
“In view of the improvement in weather conditions and in the academic interest of students, it is hereby ordered that new school timings, both in respect of Government as well as recognized Private Schools in the Kashmir Division, will be effective from 14-07-2025,” the order read.
As per the order, schools falling within the Srinagar Municipal limits shall operate from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while those located outside the municipal limits shall observe timings from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Earlier, following the end of the summer break, there had been public demand to extend the vacation.
However, instead of an extension, the authorities altered the school timing, setting the reporting time at 7:30 AM along with an hour of online classes. The move evoked a mixed response, with parents demanding an immediate review.
Earlier before the summer break the authorities changed school timings from 8:30 am to 8:00 am and later announced the summer break.
“There has been a lot of flip flopping on the part of the Education Minister regarding the functioning of schools during heat wave. There is no consistency in decision making. There have always been summer morning timings from 8 am. Now despite hot weather they have again changed it to 8:30 am. At least there should be some system. Government decisions should not be influenced by social media posts”, said an aggrieved parent.
Meanwhile, Minister Sakeena Itoo today said the decision to revise the timings was taken after receiving public feedback.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister said that after the new schedule was notified post-summer break, she even received calls from children requesting a change.
“We waited for these days, and I had asked both the Directors to listen to public suggestions, and accordingly a decision would be taken. We waited for a week, and now that the weather has improved, the timing has again been changed,” she said.
Itoo added that after the summer break, some people wanted it extended due to rising temperatures. However, she noted that this was not feasible.
“The students have to complete their syllabus well on time, as the academic session has been shifted to November. Changing the session itself was a challenge that was overcome by the elected Government, she said”
The parents have also welcomed the move, stating that the previous timing announced after the summer break had caused difficulties for both them and the students.
“Not only was the timing faulty, but the introduction of online classes was also problematic. The change in timing is a good move and should have come earlier. The online classes must also be done away with,” a parent said.
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