Tauseef Ahmad
Srinagar, July 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday extended the summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools across the Kashmir division till July 22, citing the continuing heatwave that has gripped the Valley. The schools were earlier scheduled to reopen on July 20 following the summer break announced from July 6.
The decision comes as Kashmir continues to witness unusually high temperatures, with Srinagar recording its highest maximum temperature of the season on Saturday, prompting concerns over students’ health and safety. The Meteorological Department has indicated that hot and dry weather is likely to continue over the coming days.
While welcoming the government’s decision, many parents said the four-day extension was not enough and urged authorities to keep schools closed for at least another week until temperatures ease.
“We appreciate the government’s decision, but the heat is still severe. Schools should remain closed for another seven days because children cannot study properly in these conditions,” said Shabir Ahmad, a parent from Srinagar.
Parents argued that the impact of the heatwave is far greater in government schools, particularly in rural areas, where basic infrastructure remains inadequate.
“Private schools at least have ceiling fans, better ventilation and, in some cases, air-conditioned classrooms. But most government schools, especially in villages, do not even have sufficient classrooms,” said Rukhsana Begum to Kashmir Despatch, a parent from Budgam. “In many schools, two or even three classes are forced to operate from a single classroom because of a shortage of buildings. When dozens of students are packed into one room without fans or proper ventilation, it becomes almost impossible for them to concentrate.”
Several parents said children studying in government schools face unequal learning conditions compared with those in better-equipped private institutions. They pointed out that many schools lack reliable electricity, adequate drinking water, shaded playgrounds and proper classroom infrastructure, making prolonged exposure to high temperatures a serious health concern.
“Students in government schools should not suffer because of poor infrastructure,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a parent from Bandipora. “The government must consider the ground reality before reopening schools. Until temperatures come down, children’s health should take precedence over the academic calendar.”
Education officials said the extension was made after reviewing the prevailing weather conditions and keeping students’ welfare in mind. However, parents have continued to urge the administration to reassess the situation before July 22 if the heatwave persists.
With temperatures remaining well above normal and no significant relief forecast immediately, parents say reopening schools without adequate cooling facilities could expose thousands of children—particularly those in under-resourced government schools—to heat stress, dehydration and exhaustion.
