Scorching Kashmir: KCCI bats for extended summer vacation in schools

Srinagar, July 5: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo to extend the ongoing summer vacation in schools by at least two more weeks, in light of the intense and unprecedented heatwave currently affecting the Valley.

Expressing deep concern over the soaring temperatures, the Chamber said the health and safety of students must be the government's foremost concern. It pointed out that a majority of schools, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, lack the necessary infrastructure to deal with such extreme heat. Inadequate ventilation, absence of cooling mechanisms, and poor heat-mitigation facilities make it extremely difficult for both students and teachers to function safely in classroom settings.

The current summer break, scheduled to end on July 7, should be extended to allow children to remain indoors and avoid exposure to potentially harmful weather conditions. KCCI believes that reopening schools under such circumstances could place students at unnecessary risk.

To ensure continuity in education during the extended break, the Chamber has suggested that the government initiate online classes. Leveraging digital platforms, KCCI said, would help students remain academically engaged while safeguarding their health during the ongoing heatwave.

The Chamber appealed to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister to act swiftly and issue necessary directives, stressing that immediate intervention is needed to protect young learners during this climate-related emergency.