Kashmir schools to have summer vacations from July 1

The Directorate of School Education has issued a significant announcement that brings relief and joy to students, teachers, and staff enduring the blistering weather in Kashmir. In an official notification, it has been declared that summer holidays will be granted for all schools in the Kashmir valley, commencing on July 1 and lasting for a duration of 10 days. This summer break encompasses government educational institutions as well as accredited private schools, encompassing higher secondary grades in both the Kashmir division and Jammu division's winter zone. School activities in Kashmir will resume on Tuesday, July 11. As a result of the Eid-ul-Adha holidays starting on June 29, children will enjoy an extended vacation, coinciding with the summer break. Furthermore, the Directorate of School Education has announced that the summer break will commence on June 26 for all pre-primary and primary grades in government and private educational institutions across Kashmir.

The scorching temperatures in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, have reached a maximum of approximately 35 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded for June in the past five years. Consequently, students have faced difficulties focusing on their studies due to the extreme heat. In order to safeguard students, especially the younger ones, from the adverse effects of the soaring temperatures, the J&K School Education Department (SED) has issued a directive to schools, as reported by Greater Kashmir. This advisory prohibits assembly, sports activities, and other outdoor engagements to prevent heat-related health issues. It also emphasizes the provision of clean drinking water and spacious, well-ventilated transportation facilities for the students. Complaints have arisen regarding outdoor play activities under the scorching sun, and several schools, including some government institutions, lack fans and a reliable source of clean drinking water. In light of this, doctors have advised individuals, particularly the young and elderly, to refrain from outdoor activities between 11 am and 5 pm when the temperatures are at their peak.