Jammu And Kashmir Schools Reopen: Schools in Jammu & Kashmir reopened on July 8 as the summer vacation, which started on June 23 after a severe heatwave hit the Valley, concluded in 15 days. The decision was confirmed by Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo through X, adding that reopening would see both the Kashmir Division and the winter regions of the Jammu Division.
Sakina's post "We are reopening schools from tomorrow in Kashmir Division & Winter Zones of Jammu Division. Srinagar & other municipal limits: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Outside municipal limits (rural): 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. After a 1-hour break, 2 online classes will follow. Teachers to remain available till 2 PM. All HoIs must ensure online classes are conducted without exception."
In order to maximize the welfare of learners in the midst of adjusting for heat, the government came up with modified school hours. The schools within municipal areas will operate from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, while those in rural ones will open from 8 am to 12 noon. After the morning shift, students are to go back home for an hour off, then two online lessons. All Heads of Institutions (HoIs) must stay in school until 2 pm to assist the learners and manage the adjustment model.
This reopening comes after the July 7 heavy rains that tempered the extreme heat and made outdoor learning safer. Although some parents and figures in opposition, particularly the PDP, raised concerns over early-morning timetables exposing children to the heat and infrastructural inadequacies such as a shortage of fans, the government insisted on its decision.
