A common winter vacation calendar, let's explore!

The Government announces annual winter vacations in Kashmir around the end of November or by mid December, depending upon the weather conditions. This year the vacations up to class 8 started from November 28, while the same for classes 9th to 12th from December 11. The early vacations for primary classes were prompted by severe cold in the Valley, resulting in early onset of the winter.

However, the higher education department is yet to announce the winter vacations despite severity of winter. The higher education department usually announces winter vacations by end of December every year.

Since the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in 2021-22 announced the uniform academic calendar to bring uniformity in academic schedules across the Union Territory, there is a pressing need to maintain uniformity in the calendar of vacations for a host of reasons.

Firstly, the inconsistency in vacations is taking a toll on children of parents who are working in the higher education department. They are being deprived of parental care and concern in the process, which is also making the parents of such children anxious.

At many places it is seen that it is the grandparents of such children who then take care of these little kids, as a result of absence of parents at home. Furthermore, many families shift to Jammu and elsewhere in the country to escape the winters. In absence of common winter vacations, it hits such plans which has social implications as well.

Secondly, the students of higher education department themselves feel alienated and isolated despite the harsh winter conditions. There is no point continuing with classes for any part of Chilai-Kalan, which is the hardest 40-day winter period in Kashmir. It leads to stress besides fears of catching up respiratory infections which are common in winters.

Earlier, the J&K Higher Education Department (HED) on November 30 of 2023 ordered all the Government Degree Colleges in Kashmir division to shift to online classes from December 1, 2023.

The Government acknowledged the dearth of adequate facilities in colleges noting that the students face significant challenges in commuting to colleges and attending classes due to the harsh winter conditions and inadequate heating arrangements.

The department also highlighted the difficulties faced by students, particularly those who have to travel long distances or stay in hostels or private accommodations.

The crux is that the higher educational institutions also face difficulties like schools owing to lack of facilities causing inconvenience to the students.

The decision by the J&K Higher Education Department to shift to online classes in response to winter challenges has its own set of obstacles. The lack of adequate facilities, power cuts, and irregular electricity supply hinder the effectiveness of online education. Students across various districts express difficulties in accessing online classes, emphasizing the need for a holistic solution.

"In the prevailing power scenario, we face so many difficulties to attend the online classes. Our area faces frequent cuts and we do not receive electricity as per any proper schedule," said Anisa, a 3rd semester student from Kupwara. The situation is same across all the districts wherein the students complain of difficulties faced in online mode of education.

Winter is same for all. Whether kids or elderly. Doctors often advise people across all ages to take precautions. There are all the reasons for to announce common winter vacation calendar for schools and higher educational institutions as well.

As of now, the government's announcement of winter vacations for primary and secondary classes has displayed a certain level of disparity. This discrepancy not only affects the students but also poses challenges for families and educators alike.

This discrepancy has triggered a series of issues that educationists and experts find pressing and in need of urgent rectification. Educationists also suggest that a common winter vacation calendar is imperative for several reasons.

The argue that the deprivation of parental care during the crucial winter period can lead to heightened anxiety for both parents and children.

The educationists advocate for a cohesive approach to ensure the well-being of students, the smooth functioning of educational institutions, and the overall stability of families during this critical period.

"There used to be an almost common winter vacation calendar for schools and colleges during early 2000s (2001 and 2002) which would facilitate families to plan their winters conveniently. But later there were distractions in it and it is not now being followed," a college professor said.

To conclude, a common winter vacation calendar for both schools and higher educational institutions in Kashmir can bring ease to the parents and kids alike.