Winter vacation in Kashmir schools to begin from Dec 1: Sakina Itoo

Kulgam, Nov 19: With temperatures dipping sharply across the Kashmir Valley, the government on Wednesday announced that winter vacations for students from nursery to middle classes will commence in the first week of December. The decision comes amid a growing demand from parents, who have been urging authorities to declare an early break for younger students in view of the biting cold and falling mercury levels.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the move followed a detailed review of prevailing weather conditions and consultations with school authorities across various districts. “We have held a meeting regarding this, and winter vacations for nursery to middle classes will commence from the first week of December,” she told reporters in Kulgam.

Parents, especially those with children in lower classes, had been pressing for the announcement as morning temperatures across the Valley continue to plunge, making it difficult for young students to attend school. In several areas, parents had raised concerns about the health risks posed by the cold wave, especially for children walking long distances or travelling on early morning school transport.

The Minister acknowledged these concerns and said the government had taken note of the feedback from parents and schools before finalising the schedule. “We understand the difficulties faced by children in the current weather. Protecting their health, while keeping academic continuity in mind, is our priority,” she said.

Itoo also addressed questions regarding academic preparedness, including the availability of textbooks, completion of syllabi, and the conduct of remaining assessments. She said that necessary directions had already been issued to schools and that the Education Department was closely monitoring the academic calendar to ensure minimal disruption. “The department is ensuring that no school faces issues related to syllabus completion or examinations. We have instructed institutions to plan accordingly so that the winter break does not affect academic progress,” she added.