Schools in Kashmir to reopen today after 15-day summer break

Srinagar, Jul 7: The Jammu and Kashmir government is facing public anger over its decision to hold online classes for students from 6th to class 12th classes after attending routine classes in schools during morning time.

On Monday, the School Education Department (SED) ordered change in school timing from July 8 of 2025 wherein the schools falling under all municipal limits of district will function from 7:30am to 11:30am while the schools in rural areas (outside Municipal limits) will function from 8am to 12am respectively.

The new timing has been fixed as the schools will reopen from July 8 after 15-days summer vacation, announced from June 23 to July 7, 2025 for schools in Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu.

"Further,  after the dispersal of the students from the schools, online classes (blended learning mode) except for those in primary classes ( class 1st to 5th) shall be conducted from 12:30pm till 2pm in case of Municipal areas and from 1pm to 2:30pm in case of non-municipal areas," reads an order issued by School Education Department (SED). "The instructions shall be followed in letter and spirit without any fail," it reads.

However, the government is facing public backlash for ordering online classes with stakeholders expressing concerns over putting small children to screens. "The department had to switch to online mode during covid-19 due to complete closure of schools but now the schools will remain open and classes will be held for four hours. There is no need to hold online classes for students after leaving their schools," said Aijaz Ahmad Masoodi, who runs a private school in Sopore town of Baramulla district.

"During these days we can focus on main important subjects which can be taught during these four hours in schools. The other additional subjects can be taught after normal timing resumes in schools," he said.

Parents also expressed concern over holding online classes for students while putting forward several reasons. "It is not good to put small children to screen unnecessarily when they are already going to school. It is not possible for working parents to ensure our kids attend online classes by 2pm or 2:30pm," said Gousia, one of the parents from Baramulla. The parents said holding online classes for kids after school was avoidable considering all the aspects. "In rural areas, kids do not have access to smartphones. Their parents having phones leave for work (labour) in the morning and return in the evening," the parent said. The parents however suggested that instead of making online classes compulsory for students, the government should increase school time by one hour or half an hour.

"It won't make any difference if students leave at 1pm or 12:30pm, the temperature almost remains the same," the parents said.

Amid the backlash from parents, the education minister Sakina Itoo when contacted told Greater Kashmir that the schools can teach compulsory subjects in schools and engage students in online classes for additional subjects.

"We will still monitor the situation and see if some changes are to be made, that will be done, in the interest of the students. The decision taken today is not final. We can make changes in it if need arises," she told Greater Kashmir. She however said holding online classes was compulsory for both government and private schools. "Our schools faced closure in border areas when Kashmir witnessed war-like situations. So, we have to understand the situation. The annual exams will be held in October month. Syllabus has to be completed on time," she said.

She further said that the timing and decision on online classes will be modified as per the weather situation. "We will see if it is really difficult for students to attend online classes or if the timing is not feasible, we can make appropriate changes," she said.

The education minister however said it was mandatory for teachers to remain in schools till 2pm and hold online classes for students before leaving for homes.