Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, June 30: Amid widespread rumours on social media claiming that the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced summer vacations for Kashmir schools from July 1, officials on Tuesday clarified that no such decision has been taken and termed the reports as completely false.
Senior government officials confirmed to news agency JKNS that the rumours circulating on various social media platforms regarding the announcement of summer vacations from July 1 have no basis and should be ignored.
Commissioner Secretary, School Education and Higher Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, also confirmed to JKNS that no decision has been taken yet regarding the commencement of summer vacations.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the Education Department told JKNS that since the Meteorological Department has forecast wet weather from July 1 onwards, there is no immediate need to announce summer vacations, however, we have kept temporary date for vacations for Kashmir schools from second week of July, of which the date is yet to be finalised.
“Every single day of schooling is important for students, and we must keep that in mind. Considering the wet weather forecast ahead, announcing vacations at this stage is not necessary,” the official said.
The officials further said that the department is tentatively planning summer vacations from the second week of July, though the final dates are yet to be decided after reviewing the weather situation.
When JKNS tried to contact Education Minister Sakina Itoo for comments on the issue, she was out of reach due to her busy schedule outside J&K. However, an official from the Education Minister’s office also said that no decision has been taken so far.
It is pertinent to mention that Jammu and Kashmir, especially Kashmir has been witnessing heatwave conditions over the past few days, with temperatures remaining significantly above normal in many parts of Kashmir.
However, the Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall and wet weather from July 1 as the monsoon approaches, which is expected to bring relief from the prevailing heatwave. (JKNS)
