Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir government’s announcement to reopen schools from Monday in Kashmir Division and the winter zones of Jammu has triggered a wave of public reaction, with citizens weighing in on its feasibility amid an ongoing heatwave.
As per the tweet by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, schools within municipal limits of Srinagar and other towns will operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while rural schools will function from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. A one-hour break will be followed by two mandatory online classes, with teachers expected to remain available until 2 PM.
While the directive seeks to balance academic continuity with weather-related adjustments, it has left parents, educators, and public figures divided.
Health and well-being concerns raised
Shahid Chaudhary (IAS), a senior J&K government official, expressed his personal views as a parent as “In 2025, one would hope that our understanding of children’s cognitive and emotional needs — along with the possibilities offered by technology — would shape our education systems, not the other way around. Thoughtful, age-sensitive approaches are key to ensuring that learning remains joyful, balanced, and truly meaningful for every child. (PS: Personal views as a parent. Any resemblance to actual events or decisions — living or dead — is purely coincidental. 😄”)
Famous broadcaster Maqsood Uri highlighted the situation in hilly areas, saying – In hilly areas like Uri it is not possible for students to reach back home in one hour and take online classes.
Agricultural scientist Dr. Tariq Tasool supported the timing shift but highlighted children’s need for adequate sleep. “Children require at least 9 hours of rest for healthy development,” he noted. “Parents must help reset their routines. It’s an opportunity to align our habits with natural rhythms.”
However, Nusrat Habib, a parent, strongly criticized the post-school online class requirement. “Children aren’t robots. They can’t be expected to commute, freshen up, and jump into online classes within an hour,” she said, urging the government to engage in dialogue with parents and educators before implementing such “rigid schedules.”
Practicality and equity under question
Businessman Farooq Kuthoo questioned the logic of including toddlers in the reopening, stating, “Primary students should have been given time until Monday at least. The heat is unbearable for them.”
Shafiq Punjabi, with sarcasm, remarked, “If not helicopter services, maybe the government could stop all traffic and allow only school buses between 11:30 to 12:30.”
Advocate Mustahsan Mattu raised questions about the feasibility of the one-hour break. “Students arrive home at different times. How can a uniform break be implemented? And what about working parents who must adjust their schedules?”
Allegations of bias and poor planning
Prominent social activist Ahmad Ayaz criticized what he called “elite-driven governance,” saying, “It’s not what serves the public, but what pleases powerful influencers.”
Another citizen, Mohammad Farid, accused the minister of “AC-room governance,” alleging the decision was influenced by private school associations. “Had the LG administration been in charge, the decision might have been more considerate,” he said.
Voices of support
However, not all voices were critical. Mehraj Sufi welcomed the reopening move, pointing out that Kashmir is likely to face three more months of humid weather. “Vacations aren’t a long-term solution. Instead, let the government ensure that every classroom is equipped with ceiling fans. That’s doable within a week if officials come out of their offices,” he said.
What lies ahead
As schools reopen with new timings from Monday, the real test will lie in execution— transport logistics, digital infrastructure and above all, children’s well-being. The government has yet to formally respond to the concerns raised, but the rising chorus suggests that greater stakeholder engagement may be necessary for a smoother rollout.
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