Govt announces phase-wise winter vacation for degree colleges from December 27

Srinagar, Dec 21: The J&K Higher Education Department (HED) Thursday announced winter vacation for Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) across Jammu and Kashmir from December 27 in a phased manner.

As per the government order issued by Principal Secretary HED, Alok Kumar, all the Government Degree Colleges of Kashmir division and the GDCs of Jammu division falling under the winter zone would observe winter vacation from December 27, 2023, to February 14, 2024.

Also, the Government Degree Colleges of Jammu zone falling under summer zones would observe winter vacation from January 1 to January 10, 2024.

However, Principal Secretary HED, Alok Kumar ordered all the colleges to complete the syllabus in a time-bound manner.

A copy of the government order has been sent to the Director of Colleges J&K, Yasmin Ashai with the advice to ensure that there should be no delay in the completion of the syllabi of any semester due to the announcement of winter vacations.

“In case there is any delay then the concerned faculty members should conduct the online classes of the students,” the order reads.

The winter vacation for colleges across the Kashmir division has been announced at a time when the colleges have already shifted to online mode of classes since December 1.

The HED on November 30 ordered all the GDCs in the Kashmir division to shift to online classes from December 1, 2023.

The decision, as per the department circular, was taken considering the significant challenges faced by the students in commuting to colleges and attending classes due to the harsh winter conditions and inadequate heating arrangements.

A per the circular instructions issued by the HED highlighted the difficulties faced by students, particularly those who have to travel long distances or stay in hostels or private accommodations.

“The disruption to normal class work further compounded the situation. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted academic delivery during extreme cold conditions,” the HED said in a circular.
As per the HED circular, the online classes were supposed to continue till December 31 or till the announcement of winter vacations whichever was earlier.