Srinagar, July 2: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Yatoo on Wednesday ruled out any immediate extension of the ongoing summer vacation in schools, stating that the 15-day break is sufficient for students.
She emphasized that reopening of schools after summer break remains our priority and any further decision will depend strictly on the assessment of weather conditions.
Speaking exclusively to news agency KINS over phone, the Minister said, “As of now, we have no plan to extend the summer vacation. Fifteen days are quite enough for students to relax during this hot weather. We have been informed that hot weather conditions are expected to improve after July 4.”
She stressed the importance of striking a balance between comfort and academic responsibility.
“We must understand that our children need to complete their syllabus. We cannot keep schools shut every time there’s a spell of hot weather. Education should not suffer,” she added.
The government had earlier announced summer vacations for all government and private schools in the Kashmir division from June 23 to July 7 following an intense heat wave that made it difficult for students to attend classes.
Before declaring the vacation, authorities had revised school timings due to rising temperatures.
Minister Sakina Yatoo maintained that while the government is sensitive to the wellbeing of students, extending holidays beyond a reasonable period affects the academic calendar. “Post-July 7, we’ll review the weather pattern and, if absolutely necessary, we will take further action. But how much can we really extend? Fifteen days should suffice,” she concluded.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a possible extension of the break, as temperatures continue to hover above normal in parts of the Valley.–(KINS)
