Srinagar, July 17, KDC: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association today expressed deep concern regarding the decision by the Director of School Education Kashmir to reopen schools on July 18th despite the ongoing heatwave across the region. In a statement, Additional Spokesperson of the Association, Zubair Reshi, said that while colleges have rightly commenced their summer break, younger students are being asked to return to classrooms after a mere 10-day vacation. This decision disregards the serious health risks posed by the current intense heat, which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and heat-related illnesses among children, he said.
“In Kashmir, colleges are closed from July 15 for summer vacation, but schools reopen on July 18 after just 10 days. How are younger students supposed to stay cool when college students get to chill at home? Can the Director of School Education explain the logic behind this decision?” the Association asked.
Reshi noted that in recent weeks, Jammu & Kashmir has experienced record-high temperatures, making daily activities uncomfortable and unsafe, particularly for younger students who are more susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Many schools lack adequate cooling infrastructure, leaving classrooms hotter than outdoor temperatures and creating a challenging environment for effective learning.
He urged the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Directorate of School Education to reconsider this decision and extend the summer vacation for younger students until the heatwave subsides. “It’s unbearable for children and for all ages, and it’s very difficult for children to attend schools in such conditions. The current scorching heatwave poses significant health risks, especially to young students,” Reshi emphasized.
Ensuring the health and safety of students should be the utmost priority. Prolonging their exposure to these conditions in classrooms without proper cooling measures is both irresponsible and detrimental to their well-being, he asserted.
National Media Coordinator of Association Osheeba Bashir said that a thoughtful extension of the summer vacation will not only protect children from potential health hazards but also contribute to a more conducive learning environment when they do return to school. She urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of students and take immediate decision to address this pressing issue by extending the summer vacation until there is a noticeable change in the weather conditions (KDC)
