School timings not final, subject to change: Itoo

Schools reopen after vacations

Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, July 8: Schools across Kashmir reopened today after a 15-day summer break, with new timing announced by the School Education Department (SED). Education Minister Sakeena Itoo said that the timings are “not final” and subject to revision based on public feedback.

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As early as 7:30 a.m., students were seen heading to their schools, accompanied by parents. Queues of yellow school buses were witnessed outside major institutions, with some parents welcoming the revised schedule and others voicing concerns.
Rukaya, a parent accompanying her son to his school, expressed dissatisfaction with the new schedule, urging an immediate review.
“It’s really difficult for the kids to get up so early and then focus during class. My child is in Nursery-he couldn’t wake up properly or eat well. We urge that the timing be changed,” she said.
On the other hand, Yawar Ahmad, another parent, welcomed the shift, saying the new timing is ideal to protect children from the heat and that waking up early “is a good habit.”
“The timing is perfect considering the scorching heat. After 12 p.m., the heat intensifies. Also, getting up early is a good habit. Minor adjustments can be made, but the initiative should continue,” he said.
According to the SED directive, schools will now operate from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Additionally, after a break of nearly an hour, online classes have been mandated to continue academic learning-though primary students have been exempted from these sessions.
The 15-day break, announced from June 23 to July 7, saw growing demands for an extension as the vacation neared its end amid heatwave.
However, the Government did not consider the request and instead ordered a change in school timings.
While parental opinions were divided, most students, after they finished their day at school, expressed difficulties in coping with the new schedule and sought changes to ensure focused, hassle-free learning.
Many also called for a review of the mandatory online classes.
“I couldn’t get up on time and felt sleep-deprived at school. The timing must be revised, and the online classes should be reconsidered,” said Azim, a Class 7 student.
Another student, Huzaif, highlighted the challenges faced by those commuting long distances.
“Some students take more than an hour to get home. Attending online classes after that is tough. We study in school, and again at home. Are we preparing for NEET?”
Meanwhile, amid growing criticism over the timing change and addition of online classes, the Minister Itoo said today that the timings are “not final” and subject to revision based on public feedback.
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, she assured parents and students that the changes were implemented to ensure timely completion of the syllabus.
“The changes in timing are not permanent. If needed, we will revise them. There’s no need for parents or students to worry,” she said.
Sakeena emphasized that if people are demanding changes, the Government will make necessary arrangements. “We have received several calls and concerns from parents and students regarding the new schedule,” she said.
“Our main concern is that students are well-prepared for the November session. These measures-adjusted timings and online classes-are meant to support their academic progress and help them compete nationally.”
“We’re already in mid-July. Only August and September remain before the October examinations. Our focus is to help students prepare and succeed. They must excel and be able to compete on a national level,” she said.

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