From sweltering classrooms to chaotic schedules, parents and teachers demand answers—why are children bearing the brunt of poor policies?
Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, July 8 : Kashmir’s education system has once again become a contentious topic in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. But who truly cares about students and their concerns—social media, the administration, or parents?
The authorities on Monday announced the reopening of schools in Kashmir after a 10-day summer break, but the decision has left parents dissatisfied, particularly given the prevailing harsh weather conditions.
However, the debate did not originate with parents—it began on social media platforms, where Kashmiris turned the issue into today’s trending discussion. While parents express frustration over the decision, social media has erupted with heated debates criticizing Kashmir’s education system.
In a move that has raised concerns across the Kashmir Division and winter zones of the Jammu Division, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department issued a fresh circular revising school timings effective July 8.
Under Circular No. 06-JK (Edu) of 2025, schools within municipal limits will operate from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while those outside municipal areas will function from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Additionally, two online classes must be conducted after a one-hour break, with teachers required to remain available until 2:00 PM in urban areas and 2:30 PM in rural zones.
While the resumption of physical classes might be welcome under normal circumstances, the timing and abrupt implementation have drawn severe backlash, with critics calling the decision arbitrary and insensitive, especially amid an ongoing heatwave.
Parents and education experts have condemned the move as poorly planned and inconsiderate, arguing that forcing young children—especially those in primary grades—to attend school in extreme heat is not only impractical but also potentially hazardous.
“Most households in Kashmir are already struggling to sleep at night due to the unbearable heat and lack of cooling systems. How can a six-year-old wake up at 6 AM and commute to school in such conditions?” questioned Shaista Bano, a parent from Anantnag. “Instead of easing the burden on children, the government is exacerbating it.”
Compounding the issue is the abysmal state of infrastructure in most government schools across Jammu and Kashmir. While private institutions may have power backups and cooling arrangements, many government schools lack even basic amenities such as electricity, fans, or proper ventilation.
In rural and semi-urban areas, classrooms often turn into sweltering ovens by mid-morning, with no access to drinking water or relief from the heat.
“We are expected to teach 30-40 children crammed into a tin-roofed classroom with no fans or electricity. The temperature inside feels ten degrees hotter,” said a government school teacher from Budgam.
If middle and high school students face such conditions, the plight of younger children—particularly those in grades 1 to 5—is even more concerning, exposing them to risks like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Many educators have also criticized the mandate for post-school online classes, calling it unsustainable.
“How can students focus during early morning physical classes, return home exhausted, and then log in for more online sessions?” asked a Baramulla-based teacher on condition of anonymity. “This schedule is neither mentally nor physically feasible for students or staff.”
Critics have also questioned the administration’s reasoning behind the revised timings. If the goal was to avoid peak heat, why start school at 7:30 AM—when many children are already sleep-deprived—instead of opting for a single, well-structured session from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM?
The administration’s lack of adaptability has drawn sharp criticism, with even political figures and activists questioning the decision.
“This is yet another example of bureaucratic decision-making without considering ground realities,” said a former education official. “The policy neither enhances learning nor safeguards children’s well-being.”
Kashmir’s education system frequently makes headlines—whether over delayed openings, erratic schedules, or infrastructural failures. Yet, it is the students who suffer the most, losing precious academic time while authorities fail to deliver a modern, student-friendly system.
While social media debates rage on, the real question remains Who will step up to protect the future of Kashmir’s students?
Policymakers must recognize that education cannot be divorced from climate realities and human needs. Students are not mere statistics—they are young lives who deserve care, comfort, and common-sense policies.
Meanwhile, the late Monday evening spell of rain has sparked hope among parents that the heatwave will ease, allowing their children—especially the younger ones—to feel more comfortable in school.
Weather officials too have also predicted relief from the scorching temperatures in the coming days, raising expectations for better conditions in classrooms.
