DSEK starts enrolment drive
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 7: After a three-month-long winter break, nearly 10,000 Government and private schools across Kashmir re-opened today.
Early in the morning, children were seen heading to their respective schools in colorful uniforms, bringing the surroundings to life.
Click here to watch video
As per the directives issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), schools had decorated their entrances and classrooms to welcome students. At the same time, special enrolment drives were conducted across various districts, during which officials directed school heads to take concrete measures to enhance student enrollment and retention.
“I am happy that we are finally back at school after the winter break. We were supposed to return a week ago, but the weather delayed it,” said Amina, a student from R.P. School.
Schools in Kashmir were initially set to re-open on March 1, but authorities extended the winter break by a week due to adverse weather conditions.
The Government had announced winter vacations for all public and recognized private schools in Kashmir and the winter zones of Jammu in two phases, starting from December 10.
For students up to Class 5, the vacation period was from December 10, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
Meanwhile, for Classes 6 to 12, the break was scheduled from December 16 to February 28, 2025.
However, on February 28, just a day before schools were set to re-open, Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced an extension of the winter break for all classes in Kashmir until March 6 due to inclement weather.
“Extending the vacation was necessary because there was a possibility of snow, which could have hindered a seamless reopening. Now that schools have re-opened, we wish the students the best,” said Muhammad Ashraf, a parent dropping his daughter off at school.
Apart from students and parents, teachers were equally excited to have their students back after the long winter break.
“Schools come alive when children are here. I am excited to meet my students and eager to resume lessons,” said a teacher at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi Bagh.
DSEK had already issued a set of guidelines directing schools to ensure a conducive environment and make the necessary arrangements for a smooth reopening.
In an official communication, all heads of institutions were instructed to celebrate the reopening in a festive manner to create a welcoming atmosphere for students. School heads were also asked to ensure proper planning, including preparing an institutional plan and timetable, as well as arranging sanitation and other necessities in advance.
Meanwhile, to mark the reopening of schools after winter vacations, Director of School Education Kashmir, Dr. G. N. Itoo, participated in the morning prayer at Government Model Higher Secondary School Kokernag in a remote area of Anantnag district, sharing the joy of school reopening with students.
On the occasion, Itoo spoke to students in their mother tongue, asking them about their activities during the winter break.
Addressing the teachers, DSEK emphasized the importance of instilling moral values in students and serving as role models by promoting cleanliness and environmental protection.
He also attended the mega enrollment drive organized by the Education Zone, Vailoo, Anantnag. He added that such drives will continue in the future, allowing children to benefit from facilities such as free meals, books, and other resources to shape their future.
Itoo also urged teachers to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse, particularly during special awareness sessions on Wednesdays, given the current societal challenges, and to play an active role in the character-building of students.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
